Rakesh Jhunjhunwala’s Multibagger Pharma Stock Reports Clinical Breakthrough in Combating Serious Illness
In the last one year, its share price has surged by 201.81 per cent
On Monday, January 13, 2025, Indian benchmark indices opened in the red, reflecting a negative start to the trading week. However, one stock bucked the broader market trend—Wockhardt Ltd., a pharmaceutical sector player, which saw its share price climb by 1.28 per cent.
A multibagger Performer
Wockhardt Ltd. has been a remarkable performer over the past few years. In the last one year, its share price has surged by 201.81 per cent, delivering multibagger returns to its shareholders. Over a three-year period, the stock has risen by 256 per cent.. Adding to its prominence, the shareholding pattern reveals that the estate of ace investor Late Rakesh Jhunjhunwala holds a 1.75 per cent stake in the company, amounting to over 28 lakh shares.
Driving the Momentum: A Game-Changing Antibiotic
The stock’s recent upward movement can be attributed to groundbreaking results from a clinical study of Zaynich® (Zidebactam/Cefepime, WCK 5222), a proprietary antibiotic developed by Wockhardt. This study highlights its efficacy in combating carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative infections, a significant global health challenge.
Key Highlights from the Study:
- Efficacy: Zaynich® demonstrated over 97 per cent clinical efficacy across severe infections, including hospital-acquired bacterial pneumonia (HABP), ventilator-associated bacterial pneumonia (VABP), bloodstream infections (BSI), complicated intra-abdominal infections (cIAI), and complicated urinary tract infections (cUTI).
- Pathogen Eradication: High microbiological cure rates were observed—91 per cent for HABP/VABP and 100 per cent for BSI.
- Broad Impact: The study involved extensively drug-resistant (XDR) pathogens, including Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas, Klebsiella, and E. coli.
A Timely Solution to Antimicrobial Resistance
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is recognized as one of the most pressing global health crises by organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO). Traditional treatments like colistin and polymyxins often face limitations due to toxicity and reduced efficacy, underscoring the need for innovative solutions like Zaynich®.
Disclaimer: The article is for informational purposes only and not investment advice.
The drug has already shown promising results under compassionate use programs, saving over 100 critically ill patients in India and the US. Its ongoing Phase III trials aim to secure global regulatory approval.
Wockhardt’s success with Zaynich® stems from decades of commitment to addressing multi-drug-resistant infections. Over 25 years, the company has developed a robust portfolio of six products targeting AMR, each granted Qualified Infectious Disease Product (QIDP) status by the US FDA.
The Road Ahead
While Zaynich® represents a significant advancement in the fight against AMR, it is crucial to view it within the broader context of combating resistance. Sustainable solutions require judicious antibiotic use, investments in novel treatments, and international collaboration to address this escalating threat.