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The first new treatments for gonorrhoea in a generation are being described as a "major milestone" in the effort against increasingly resistant strains of the bacteria, according to researchers.

An International Public Health Issue

Gonorrhoea infections are escalating around the world, with data suggesting in excess of 82 million instances per year. Particularly high rates are reported in Africa and countries within the World Health Organization's Western Pacific region, which includes Mongolia and China to New Zealand. Within England, cases have hit a all-time high, while figures across Europe in 2023 were significantly elevated compared to those in 2014.

“The authorization of new treatments for gonorrhoea is an important and timely development in the context of rising global incidence, the spread of superbugs and the very limited treatment choices presently on offer.”

Medical experts are particularly alarmed about the rise in treatment-resistant strains. The WHO has listed it as a "critical concern". Ongoing monitoring revealed that the effectiveness of standard treatments like cefixime and ceftriaxone increased dramatically between 2022 and 2024.

Recent Therapies Gain Clearance

Zoliflodacin, also known as Nuzolvence, was approved by the US FDA in mid-December for use against gonorrhoea. This disease can lead to serious health problems, including the inability to conceive. Experts hope that specific application of this new drug will help slow the emergence of superbugs.

Gepotidacin, originating from the drugmaker GSK, was also approved in close succession. This treatment, which is employed against UTIs, was shown in trials to be successful in treating antibiotic-resistant forms of the gonorrhoea bacteria.

An Innovative Partnership

This new treatment emerged from a innovative non-profit model for antibiotic development. The charitable organization GARDP partnered with the pharmaceutical company Innoviva to see it through.

“This milestone signifies a major breakthrough in the treatment of superbug gonorrhoea, which up to this point has been outpacing antibiotic development.”

Testing Results and Worldwide Availability

Based on data published in a prominent scientific publication, zoliflodacin eradicated more than 90% of genital gonorrhoea infections. This places it at an similar efficacy with the typical regimen, which uses two antibiotics. The research enrolled nearly 1,000 participants from several countries including Belgium, the Netherlands, South Africa, Thailand and the US.

As part of the agreement of its unique model, GARDP has the ability to license and sell the drug in many regions with limited resources.

Doctors on the front lines have shared positive views. The availability of a easy-to-administer therapy such as this is seen as a "game-changer" for gonorrhoea control. This is deemed crucial to alleviate the strain of the infection for individuals and to prevent the spread of untreatable gonorrhoea worldwide.