Wockhardt has launched the Wockhardt Antibiotic Academy, a scientific learning platform aimed at strengthening dialogue among healthcare professionals and supporting better clinical decision-making in the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR). AMR continues to be a major public health concern worldwide, with bacteria developing resistance to commonly used antibiotics. In India, multidrug-resistant infections are estimated to cause around 10 lakh deaths every year, highlighting the need for stronger antimicrobial stewardship and improved treatment practices.
The Wockhardt Antibiotic Academy will be open to registered medical professionals across India. The initiative will provide a platform for continuous medical education, scientific discussions and the exchange of clinical experiences among physicians and other healthcare professionals.
Dr Habil Khorakiwala, Founder Chairman, Wockhardt, said the fight against drug resistance requires both new antibiotics and platforms that encourage science-based discussions on their appropriate use. He stressed the importance of selecting the right antibiotic for the right patient at the right time and said the Academy would support greater understanding of drug resistance and evidence-based treatment approaches.
The initiative will focus on areas such as antimicrobial stewardship, diagnosis, antibiotic selection, dosage, treatment duration and de-escalation. It will also encourage clinicians to share real-world experiences and discuss emerging evidence related to resistant infections.
Dr Subramaniam Swaminathan, President, Clinical Infectious Diseases Society, India, said antimicrobial resistance cannot be addressed through guidelines alone and that treatment decisions at the patient level play an important role. He noted that medical practices continue to evolve as new evidence emerges on diagnosis, dosing and treatment strategies.
Wockhardt said the Academy is intended to create a nationwide scientific platform that brings clinicians, researchers and other healthcare stakeholders together. The company plans to facilitate interactions with national and international experts in infectious diseases, AMR and antimicrobial stewardship.
Annapurna Das, President, India & NCE Emerging Markets, Wockhardt, said every new antibiotic is only the beginning and that its real value depends on evidence-based use and the clinical judgement of doctors treating patients. She added that Wockhardt sees itself as both a contributor to the AMR challenge and part of the solution. Clinicians, scientific societies, hospitals and policymakers are being invited to participate in the Academy, share their expertise and contribute to the development of the initiative.
Wockhardt is a research-driven pharmaceutical and biotechnology company with a focus on developing antibacterial medicines for difficult-to-treat infections. Its drug discovery programme has received Qualified Infectious Disease Product (QIDP) status from the US FDA for six antibacterial programmes, covering both Gram-positive and Gram-negative infections.
The company employs around 3,200 people across several countries, including India, the UK, Ireland, Switzerland, France, Mexico and Russia. Wockhardt operates manufacturing and research facilities in India and the UK, along with a manufacturing facility in Ireland, and generates a significant share of its revenue from international markets.
