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The first new treatments for gonorrhoea in many years are being hailed as a "major milestone" in the battle against superbug strains of the bacteria, according to researchers.

An International Challenge

The sexually transmitted infection are escalating globally, with estimates suggesting more than 82 million instances per year. Notably increased rates are seen in Africa and nations within the World Health Organization's Western Pacific region, which encompasses Mongolia and China to New Zealand. Within England, cases have hit a historical peak, while infection numbers across Europe in 2023 were significantly elevated compared to those in 2014.

“The authorization of new treatments for gonorrhoea is an important and timely step in the context of increasing worldwide cases, escalating drug resistance and the extremely scarce therapeutic options at this time.”

Public health authorities are increasingly worried about the surge in antibiotic-resistant strains. The global health body has listed it as a "high-priority threat". Recent surveillance found that the effectiveness of key first-line drugs like ceftriaxone and cefixime had risen sharply between 2022 and 2024.

A Pair of Novel Therapies Secure Authorization

One new antibiotic, also known as Nuzolvence, was cleared by the American regulatory agency in mid-December for combating gonorrhoea. This infection can lead to serious health problems, including the inability to conceive. Researchers anticipate that specific application of this new drug will help hinder the spread of drug resistance.

Another new antibiotic, originating from the drugmaker GlaxoSmithKline, was also approved in the same week. This drug, which is additionally indicated for urinary tract infections, was proven in research to be effective against drug-resistant strains of the gonorrhoea bacteria.

A Unique Partnership

This new treatment was the result of a new, not-for-profit approach for drug creation. The non-profit organisation GARDP worked alongside the drug firm its industry partner to see it through.

“This authorization represents a significant shift in the therapy of highly resistant gonorrhoea, which previously has been evolving faster than our drug pipeline.”

Research Study Data and Worldwide Availability

Based on data published in a major medical journal, the new drug successfully treated more than 90% of genital gonorrhoea infections. This puts it on an equal footing with the current standard treatment, which combines a dual-drug approach. The research included over 900 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 authority to register and commercialise the drug in many low-income and middle-income countries.

Clinicians on the front lines have expressed positive views. Having a easy-to-administer therapy such as this is described as a "critical tool" for gonorrhoea control. This is deemed vital to reduce the burden of the disease for people and to prevent the spread of untreatable gonorrhoea around the world.