Contagion Live: Reviewing recently approved antibiotics for uncomplicated urogenital gonorrhea

Contagion Live overview

In December 2025, the FDA approved two antibiotics for the treatment of uncomplicated urogenital gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the gram-negative bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae (N gonorrhoeae).

Zoliflodacin (Nuzolvence) received approval as a first-in-class, single oral dose antibiotic for the treatment of uncomplicated urogenital gonorrhea in adults and adolescents.

Gepotidacin (Blujepa) was first approved by the FDA in March 2025 for the treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infections in females, caused by the susceptible strains of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Citrobacter freundii complex, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, and Enterococcus faecalis. In December 2025, FDA approval was expanded to include treatment of uncomplicated urogenital gonorrhea caused by susceptible strains of N gonorrhoeae.

Currently, a single dose of intramuscular ceftriaxone is the recommended treatment of choice for uncomplicated gonococcal infections in adults and adolescents (if concomitant chlamydial infection has been excluded). N gonorrhoeae resistance to other antibiotic classes, such as fluoroquinolones, has increased since the early 1990s, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified multi-drug resistant gonorrhea as an urgent public health treat. The rising rates of antibiotic resistance highlights the urgent need for the research, development, and approval of new antibiotics. Understanding the prescribing information of these two new antibiotics will help minimize the potential for adverse reactions and contraindications, reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance, and ensure safe and effective use.

Read the full overview here.