Wockhardt shares gained 10% after the company announced that its flagship discovery product, Zaynich, achieved 96.8% efficacy in a phase III study for complicated urinary tract infections. The investigational antibiotic demonstrated superior results compared to meropenem, meeting the USFDA and EMA’s primary efficacy endpoints.
Wockhardt’s Zaynich shows the highest efficacy among novel antibiotics
Zaynich, a novel β-lactam enhancer, has been evaluated for treating complicated urinary tract infections. The phase III study results showed a clinical cure rate of 96.8%, making it the highest among all FDA-approved antibiotics developed in the last decade. The drug demonstrated a superior clinical and microbiologic cure rate, outperforming meropenem.
Wockhardt confirmed that it now intends to file an NDA with the USFDA and a marketing authorisation application with the European Medicines Agency (EMA). The company expects regulatory approvals to drive its future growth in the global pharmaceutical market.
Global interest in Zaynich before regulatory approval
Even before its formal approval, Zaynich has attracted global interest. There have been requests for compassionate use supply from countries including the US, UK, France, Australia, and Malaysia. The drug has been identified as a significant advancement in addressing antibacterial resistance and is expected to contribute to the global fight against superbugs.
Wockhardt has been focusing on new drug discovery, particularly in antibacterial solutions, to combat drug-resistant infections. The company remains the only global pharmaceutical firm with six USFDA-qualified infectious disease product (QIDP) designations for its antibacterial discovery programmes.
Strong financial performance supports share price rally
Wockhardt’s share price surged 10% following the positive phase III results. Market analysts indicate that the stock has been on an upward trend.
Market analysts note that investors continue to invest in stocks of companies with strong research pipelines and potential regulatory approvals. Zaynich's success has positioned Wockhardt as a key player in the pharmaceutical industry.
Wockhardt stock performance and market trends
Wockhardt shares have seen substantial gains in the past year, rising 208%, significantly outperforming the benchmark index’s 7.6% increase. The stock had previously hit a 52-week high of ₹1,582.95 on 3 January 2025.
Trading volumes surged as investors showed confidence in the stock. The average trading volume increased threefold, with 1.5 million equity shares changing hands on the NSE and BSE during the trading session.
Investors looking to invest in stocks have been closely monitoring pharmaceutical companies with research pipelines. Zaynich's potential approval could drive further interest in Wockhardt’s stock.
Regulatory approvals and future outlook
Wockhardt’s successful completion of the phase III study is a critical milestone in its journey towards regulatory approval. To secure commercialisation rights for Zaynich, the company plans to submit applications to the USFDA and EMA.
With its expertise in antibacterial drug discovery, Wockhardt aims to expand its portfolio and address the global challenge of antibiotic resistance.
Market analysts indicate that regulatory approvals, market expansion, and financial growth will be key factors in determining the stock’s future trajectory. Investors continue to assess opportunities in the pharmaceutical sector, particularly in firms with innovative drug pipelines.
Wockhardt’s stock price update
At 10:53 AM on January 31, 2025, the shares of Wockhardt Limited were trading 9% higher at ₹1,402.05 per share, compared to the previous close of ₹1,281.95 per share on the National Stock Exchange (NSE).