Pfizer's Sifnono Approved in China to Combat Antibiotic Resistance

Pfizer Inc. has announced that its new antibacterial drug, Sifnono, has been approved by the National Medical Products Administration for use in China. Sifnono, also known as cefiderocol, is the first β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combination drug that covers all types of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE). This approval marks a significant milestone in the fight against antibiotic resistance, as Sifnono is effective against a wide range of bacteria, including those that produce metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs), which are known to be resistant to many existing antibiotics.

The approval of Sifnono in China is a testament to Pfizer's commitment to developing innovative solutions to address the growing threat of antibiotic resistance. The drug's unique fixed-dose combination design allows it to effectively target and neutralize a broad spectrum of bacteria, including those that produce KPC and OXA-48 carbapenemases, which are among the most challenging to treat. This makes Sifnono a valuable addition to the arsenal of antibiotics available to healthcare providers in China.

Sifnono is approved for the treatment of complicated intra-abdominal infections (cIAI), hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP), including ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), caused by Gram-negative bacteria with limited or no alternative treatment options. This approval is expected to have a significant impact on the treatment of infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria. With the increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistance, there is a growing need for new and effective antibiotics that can combat these resistant strains. Sifnono's ability to cover all types of CRE makes it a promising option for treating infections that are difficult to manage with existing antibiotics.

Pfizer's announcement of the approval of Sifnono in China comes at a time when the global healthcare community is grappling with the challenge of antibiotic resistance. The approval of Sifnono in China is a step in the right direction towards addressing this threat and improving patient outcomes. The drug's broad-spectrum enzyme inhibitory activity not only improves patient treatment outcomes but also reduces the risk of drug resistance. This approval will further help curb the trend of bacterial resistance, enhance the precise coverage of new antibacterial drugs against CRE infections of all enzyme types, and promote the advancement of anti-infection treatment towards the era of precise treatment. This has important implications for public health and innovative treatment paradigms.

Jean-Christophe Pointeau, President of Pfizer China and Chairman of the RDPAC Executive Committee, stated, "Antibiotic resistance is a global challenge. Pfizer has been deeply involved in the field of anti-infection for many years and is committed to the development of innovative anti-infection drugs to help clinicians cope with drug-resistant bacterial infections and protect life and health. The approval of Sifnono will once again expand the treatment boundaries of carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (CRO), providing clinicians with innovative targeted treatment options, helping more infected patients benefit clinically, and curbing the further development of drug resistance trends. We thank the National Medical Products Administration and other relevant departments for their support for new antibacterial drugs. Pfizer will continue to be committed to addressing the health challenges posed by antibiotic resistance and continuously fulfill its mission of bringing breakthrough innovations that change patients' lives."