The New Antibiotic That’s Kicking Some Gonorrhea Butt

Promising New Antibiotic Successfully Combats Drug-Resistant Gonorrhea in Clinical Trial

New antibiotic combats drug-resistant gonorrhea in trial.

By Cara Murez, HealthDay Reporter

Gonorrhea, the second most common sexually transmitted disease, has met its match! In a recent clinical trial, a new antibiotic called zoliflodacin showed promising results in treating this pesky infection. And when I say promising, I mean it cured uncomplicated gonorrhea just as effectively as the current go-to treatment, which involves an injection and some pills.

Now, you might be thinking, “Wait a minute, aren’t we running out of antibiotics to fight gonorrhea? Isn’t this like fighting a werewolf with a toothpick?” Well, fear not, my friends! According to Dr. Jeffrey Klausner, an infectious disease expert, zoliflodacin gives us a new weapon in the battle against gonorrhea. It’s like having a shiny new sword to slay the resistant infections.

So, who’s behind this game-changing antibiotic? It was developed by the brilliant minds at Innoviva Specialty Therapeutics and the Swiss nonprofit Global Antibiotic Research & Development Partnership. They’re the heroes we need in these antibiotic-resistant times.

Dr. Edward Hook III, the protocol chair for the study, couldn’t contain his excitement. He said, “This study is a potential game changer for sexual health!” Not only does zoliflodacin treat resistant strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, but it also dances to the beat of its own drum when it comes to antibiotic resistance. And did I mention that it can be taken orally? Mic drop It’s a win-win for both patients and clinicians worldwide.

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But here’s the catch: zoliflodacin isn’t as effective when it comes to treating gonorrhea in the throat. In fact, no gonorrhea treatment is. It’s like trying to swat flies with a feather duster. According to Dr. Jeanne Marrazzo, director of the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, gonorrhea in the throat is a major Achilles heel in our battle to control this stubborn infection. We may need to summon our collective creativity to find a solution.

Now, before you start hooting and hollering, let me share a staggering statistic with you. According to the World Health Organization, there are over 82 million new cases of gonorrhea each year. And in the United States alone, the number of cases has skyrocketed to over 710,000 in 2021. It’s like a never-ending rollercoaster ride of infections.

Gonorrhea, commonly spread through sexual contact, has a particular fondness for young adults and adolescents. It’s like the “cool kid” at the disease party. And let’s not forget that it’s especially prevalent among gay and bisexual men. The CDC doesn’t play favorites when it comes to STIs.

But here’s the silver lining: zoliflodacin might just be the hero we’ve been waiting for. It doesn’t just treat gonorrhea, it also reduces the risk of HIV infection. Talk about a double whammy of protection! And for those worried about the decline of antibiotics, fear not! Innoviva is rushing to seek FDA approval for this game-changing antibiotic.

So, folks, we have reason to celebrate. The battle against gonorrhea rages on, but with zoliflodacin on our side, we’ve gained a valuable weapon in the fight. It’s like finding a golden ticket in a world of antibiotic scarcity. And it’s all thanks to the brilliant minds and tireless efforts of the researchers and doctors involved.

Remember, sexual health is essential, so stay informed and protect yourself. And if you need more information, head over to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Together, we can kick gonorrhea’s butt for good!

QUESTION

Condoms are the best protection from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

See Answer on the original article.