🔗 Share this article

The first new treatments for gonorrhoea in decades are being hailed as a "huge turning point" in the effort against superbug strains of the infection, according to health experts.

A Global Public Health Issue

The sexually transmitted infection are increasing globally, with data suggesting over 82 million instances annually. Notably increased rates are seen in Africa and nations within the WHO's designated area, which includes Mongolia and China to New Zealand. Within England, cases have reached a historical peak, while figures across Europe in 2023 were three times higher compared to those in 2014.

“The authorization of fresh medications for gonorrhoea is an significant and necessary development in the context of growing infection rates, the spread of superbugs and the highly restricted available drugs presently on offer.”

Medical experts are deeply concerned about the surge in drug-resistant strains. The WHO has designated it as a "priority pathogen". Ongoing monitoring found that the effectiveness of key first-line drugs like ceftriaxone and cefixime jumped significantly between 2022 and 2024.

Recent Drugs Secure Authorization

Zoliflodacin, alternatively called a brand name, was cleared by the US FDA in recent days for treating gonorrhoea. This STI can lead to significant complications, including the inability to conceive. Researchers hope that focused deployment of this new drug will help slow the spread of drug resistance.

Gepotidacin, developed by the drugmaker GSK, was also approved in the same week. This medication, which is employed against urinary tract infections, was shown in trials to be effective against antibiotic-resistant forms of the gonorrhoea bacteria.

A Novel Approach to Creation

This new treatment emerged from a new, not-for-profit approach for antibiotic development. The non-profit organisation GARDP worked alongside the pharmaceutical company its industry partner to see it through.

“This milestone signifies a significant shift in the therapy of superbug gonorrhoea, which previously has been staying ahead of antibiotic development.”

Clinical Trial Results and Global Access

As per results published in a major medical journal, the new drug eradicated over nine in ten of genital gonorrhoea infections. This places it at an comparable level with the existing first-line therapy, which combines a dual-drug approach. The study involved over 900 patients from various regions including Belgium, the Netherlands, South Africa, Thailand and the US.

As part of the agreement of its collaboration, GARDP has the rights to license and sell the drug in many developing nations.

Medical professionals treating patients have expressed hope. Having a single-dose, oral treatment such as this is described as a "revolutionary step" for gonorrhoea control. This is considered essential to lessen the impact of the infection for people and to halt the transmission of extremely resistant gonorrhoea worldwide.