Mumbai-based Sun Pharmaceutical Industries has announced the launch of a novel treatment, Starizo, for acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI).

The drug, introduced in 200 mg tablet form, represents a significant advancement in the treatment of skin infections, particularly those caused by drug-resistant bacteria like methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Starizo, an oxazolidinone-class antibacterial, offers a new therapeutic option in the management of ABSSSI, which has been increasingly challenging due to the rise of drug-resistant pathogens. Sun Pharma has acquired the rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize Tedizolid Phosphate in India through a licensing agreement with MSD.

Kirti Ganorkar, CEO of Sun Pharma's India Business, highlighted the importance of Starizo in the current healthcare landscape, "With Starizo, we are introducing a treatment option that is effective and convenient, requiring only once-a-day dosing. Drug-resistant bacteria, such as MRSA, pose a significant challenge in treating ABSSSIs due to the limited availability of effective options."

Skin and soft tissue infections are among the most prevalent types of infections in India, constituting approximately 29-32% of all reported infections between 2018 and 2019. The treatment of ABSSSI is often complicated by comorbidities such as diabetes, obesity, and renal or hepatic dysfunction. The rising incidence of invasive S. aureus infections, particularly those caused by MRSA, has led to increased mortality rates and poor patient outcomes. MRSA infections in India have seen a significant rise, with rates climbing from 28.4% in 2016 to 42.6% in 2021.