Orchid Pharma announces National Launch of Orchid AMS division, to combat the rising threat of Antimicrobial Resistance

· This new business unit aims to lead antimicrobial stewardship in India with innovative solutions covering 3000 hospitals and healthcare institutions over the next 2-3 years

· Orchid will facilitate sessions to engage with the healthcare community on AMR across 13 cities by the end of this year

New Delhi, 17 September 2024: Orchid Pharma (NSE/BSE), Chennai-based, a leading pharmaceutical company catering across the pharmaceutical value chain (discovery to delivery) with expertise in R&D and marketing, announced the formation of Orchid AMS (Antimicrobial Solutions), a dedicated division focused on helping address the critical challenge of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in India. This strategic move aims to address the growing threat of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in India and globally through innovative products, comprehensive support programs, and digital solutions.

Orchid AMS will spearhead the company’s efforts to combat AMR through a comprehensive approach encompassing innovative product development, robust support programs, and advanced digital solutions. The new entity aims to partner with over 2,500-3,000 hospitals and healthcare institutions in the next two to three years, to implement effective antimicrobial stewardship programs (AMSPs).

To mark this significant initiative, the company is hosting / facilitating a series of sessions aimed at providing a platform for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and industry experts to engage in crucial discussions on AMR and the role of antimicrobial stewardship. In the first phase of its outreach, Orchid AMS will cover Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Vishakhapatnam, Coimbatore, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Ahmedabad, Pune, Jaipur, Chandigarh.

Orchid AMS will take lead in Antimicrobial Resistance wholistically through innovative solutions bucketed under five initiatives:

· Pathbreaking Products: Orchid’s pathbreaking products include Orblicef™ (Cefepime Enmetazobactam), Ceftaroline, and Cefiderocol that are already leading efforts in combating AMR

· A ‘First Do No Harm’ team: A dedicated group of experts committed to providing evidence-based recommendations free from commercial bias.

· Wide Product Basket: Introducing a comprehensive basket of molecules, covering 2500 – 3000 hospitals over the next three years

· Active participation in Anti-Microbial Stewardship Programs (AMSP): Collaborating with hospitals to strengthen their antimicrobial stewardship practices.

· Leveraging Digital Solutions for Doctors: Providing healthcare professionals with real-time data on pathogen resistance patterns and incidence rates.

With AMS, Orchid Pharma aims to be the preferred knowledge partner for hospitals, committed to ethical practices and enhancing hospital capacity in tackling AMR. The mission is to build a sustainable business while positively impacting society by helping hospitals reduce healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), AMR, and average length of stay (ALOS) through improved clinical outcomes.

Manish Dhanuka, Managing Director, Orchid Pharma, said, “The launch of Orchid AMS is a proof of our commitment to addressing the urgent public health threat posed by AMR. By combining our expertise in antimicrobials and our USFDA-approved manufacturing capabilities, we aim to make a significant impact on combating this public health crisis in India and beyond, said Manish Dhanuka, Managing Director of Orchid Pharma.

Rajnish Rohatgi, Chief Executive Officer, Orchid AMS added, “AMR is one of the biggest healthcare challenges today, and governments across the world including India have launched programs to address it. It’s a complex issue requiring a multi-faceted approach, to impact patient compliance, ease of availability without prescriptions, use in crop and livestock farming, and use in hospitals. We wish to be the change we want to see – and commit to responsible promotion of anti-biotics, i.e. 1st Do No harm. Orchid AMS invites leading pharmaceutical companies to join us in this task – to collaborate, even while we compete – and work with healthcare providers, policymakers, and other stakeholders to develop and implement effective strategies to combat this growing threat.”

Orchid Pharma’s recent achievements, including the USFDA, EMA, and DCGI approval of its new chemical entity, Cefepime-Enmetazobactum, for treating complicated urinary tract infections, highlight the company’s strong foundation in antimicrobial research and development. The launch of Orchid AMS demonstrates the company’s dedication to addressing the complex challenges posed by AMR through innovation, education, and responsible antimicrobial use.

AMR is a global health crisis with far-reaching economic consequences. The World Bank estimates that AMR could result in trillions of dollars in additional healthcare costs and GDP losses over the next decade. India, with a significant AMR burden, stands to benefit greatly from Orchid AMS’s initiatives.

As India faces a significant AMR burden, estimated at over 1 million deaths directly attributable to AMR in 2019, Orchid AMS’s launch comes at a crucial time. Its efforts align with India’s National Action Plan on AMR and aim to address this complex public health challenge through a multifaceted approach that prioritizes human health, prevents infections, ensures universal access to quality diagnosis and appropriate treatment, and promotes strategic information and innovation.