Scientists believe they have found a new effective antibiotic for gonorrhoea in a clinical trial.Gepotidacin can treat and clear the sexually transmitted infection just as well as existing antibiotics and appears to be able to tackle some emerging drug-resistant ‘superbug’ strains too according to The Lancet. Gonorrhoea is one of the most common STIs in the UK and cases have been rising. In 2023, over 85,000 gonorrhoea diagnoses were reported in England alone – the highest number since records began in 1918. Most cases were treatable, but some strains can’t be dealt with so easily. Over time, the bacterium has developed resistance to most classes of available antibiotics and experts fear it may become untreatable in the future, unless new drugs are found.
Dr Katy Sinka, consultant epidemiologist and head of the STI section at UK Health Security Agency, said it was “really promising” to see a successful trial for a new antibiotic to treat gonorrhoea. “As gonorrhoea becomes increasingly resistant to antibiotics, it could become untreatable in future and cause serious problems like pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility. Trials like this are so important to help us discover new treatment options.”
She said the best way to prevent an STI is by using a condom. If someone has had condom-less sex with a new or casual partner, they should get tested.
“Early detection not only protects a person’s health but prevents transmission to others. Testing is quick, free and confidential,” she said.
Gonorrhoea: quick facts
- Gonorrhoea is easily passed from person to person through unprotected sex
- Around one in 10 infected men and almost half of infected women do not experience any symptoms.
SWF Health & Social Care Group 