Concerns about resistant gonorrhea rise and new drugs advance

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the US drug regulator, announced on Friday (12/12) the approval of two new drugs to treat resistant gonorrhea.

The recent approval of new gonorrhea medications marks a significant shift in the fight against this sexually transmitted infection (STI). Health authorities are seeking to respond to the advance of bacterial resistance detected in several regions of the world.

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The new drugs approved by the US agency are expected to become another first-line approach to treating uncomplicated urogenital gonorrhea, increasing the variety of weapons against the disease. The move comes amid warnings about the gradual reduction in the effectiveness of traditional treatments.

Gonorrhea is caused by bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The simple urogenital form affects the urethra or cervix. Symptoms include painful urination, genital discharge and swelling. Lack of treatment can lead to infertility and other complications in the functioning of the reproductive system.

“The availability of additional treatment options is of particular importance given the global increase in gonorrhea drug resistance,” said Peter Kim, MD, director of the FDA’s Division of Anti-Infectives.

New remedies for gonorrhea

The first drug approved was zoliflodacin, from Entasis Therapeutics. The medication comes in the form of water-soluble granules and its use is authorized in adults and children aged 12 and over weighing at least 35 kilos.

The FDA also approved GSK’s gepotidacin. The antibiotic is given as an oral tablet and is recommended for patients 12 years of age or older and weighing at least 100 pounds.

Historically, treatment combined ceftriaxone injection with oral antibiotics. Newer guidelines now recommend injection only. Limited options have heightened fears of increasing bacterial resistance.

8 imagesAIDS –is caused by the HIV virus and causes the immune system to lose its ability to defend the body. There is still no known effective treatment.” title=”AIDS –is caused by the HIV virus and causes the immune system to lose its ability to defend the body. There is still no known effective treatment.” src=”https://i.metroimg.com/M3cNm0-hwAFL3m7eF67O0__94ikqZKhKGLQZtfcruvQ/w:180/q:85/f:webp/pla in/2020/12/01145816/Justica-diz-que-demissao-de-funcionario-com-HIV-foi-discriminatoria.jpg”>HPV – Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is one of the most common and can be prevented with a vaccine. It causes lesions to appear on the skin of the genitals of men and women. The texture of these changes can be smooth or rough, with color that varies depending on skin tone. They don’t cause pain, but they are contagious” title=”HPV – Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is one of the most common and can be prevented with a vaccine. It causes lesions to appear on the skin of the genitals of men and women. The texture of these changes can be smooth or rough, with color that varies depending on skin tone. They don’t cause pain, but they are contagious” src=”https://i.metroimg.com/QbHKlex6FNQgHwpmiYbLeUB37rYW4_4heCH0HLBcZjg/w:180/q:85/f:webp/plain/2022/03/01173112/HPV-1.jpg”>1 of 82 of 8

Genital herpes – Highly contagious, genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Infected people may develop small, closely spaced red spots on the skin of the thighs, anus and genitals. These balls contain a highly viral yellowish liquid that causes itching. Additionally, the disease can manifest itself with fever, pain when urinating and, in the case of women, discharge.

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AIDS –It is caused by the HIV virus and causes the immune system to lose its ability to defend the body. There is still no known effective treatment.

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Gonorrhea and Chlamydia infection – Most of the time, the two diseases are associated. The infection affects the genitals, throat and eyes. If left untreated, gonorrhea can lead to infertility. The main symptoms in women are pain when urinating or in the lower abdomen, yellowish or clear discharge outside of periods, pain or bleeding during sexual intercourse. Men often experience burning and heat when urinating, discharge or pus, and pain in the testicles.

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HPV – Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is one of the most common and can be prevented with a vaccine. It causes lesions to appear on the skin of the genitals of men and women. The texture of these changes can be smooth or rough, with color that varies depending on skin tone. They don’t cause pain, but they are contagious

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Syphilis – Syphilis is a bacterial infection usually transmitted through sexual contact or contact with infected blood. The first symptoms appear three to 12 weeks after infection, causing sores and red spots on the hands and feet that do not bleed or cause pain. Syphilis can cause blindness, paralysis and heart problems

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HTLV infection – Little known, HTLV is a retrovirus from the same family as HIV, sharing the same modes of transmission. Most people do not have any signs or symptoms throughout their lives. Among people infected with HTLV, 10% will have associated diseases, such as neurological, ophthalmological, dermatological, urological and hematological diseases.

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Trichomoniasis –
Trichomoniasis is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections, caused by a parasite. The main symptoms are: pain during sexual intercourse, burning and difficulty urinating, itching in the sexual organs, abundant discharge, yellowish or greenish, bullous.

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The last test of zoliflodacin was carried out in a study involving 930 patients. Two thirds received a single dose of 3 grams dissolved in water. The analysis assessed the elimination of bacteria between four and eight days after treatment and 91% of volunteers who received the drug were cured.

Gepotidacin was tested in a study involving 628 participants. Bacterial elimination was assessed between four and ten days. The study showed recovery in 93% of treated patients, both rates being similar to standard treatment (injection and antibiotic pill).