Cipla has launched India&rsquo;s first non-antibiotic drug for patients suffering from recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs). The medicine, Methenamine Hippurate, will be marketed under the brand name HUENA.
UTIs are the second most common reason for antibiotic use in India, with cases nearly doubling over the last three decades. Women are particularly vulnerable, and UTIs account for about 15 per cent of total antibiotic prescriptions in the country.
The newly introduced drug offers a safer and more sustainable alternative by preventing UTIs without relying on antibiotics. Methenamine Hippurate works by targeting bacteria in the bladder and urinary tract. Clinical studies show it is as effective as long-term, low-dose antibiotic therapy but with fewer risks, lower cost, and no contribution to antibiotic resistance.
Cipla has highlighted this development as a significant step in combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR). By reducing dependence on antibiotics, HUENA is expected to improve patient outcomes while also contributing to public health.
This launch follows Cipla&rsquo;s earlier approval from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) to distribute inhaled insulin, Afrezza, in India. With a global presence across 74 markets, Cipla continues to focus on innovations that address critical healthcare challenges.
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Cipla introduces HUENA, India’s first non-antibiotic drug to prevent recurrent UTI

Cipla launches non-antibiotic UTI treatment

Cipla introduces HUENA, India’s first non-antibiotic drug to prevent recurrent UTI

September 5, 2025 | 14:09 IST