June 07, 2014
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5 antibiotics in the pipeline

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Life-saving antibiotics are in short supply as drug-resistant infections continue to take a toll on human health. The CDC estimates that approximately 23,000 people die each year in the United States as a result of antibiotic-resistant infections. This is a conservative estimate. Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae, MRSA and drug-resistant tuberculosis are just some of the infections that pose serious threats.

Here, Infectious Disease News features five antibiotics currently in the pipeline. If approved in the US, these drugs can be added to the depleted arsenal of antimicrobial agents used in the fight against serious infections and protect patients’ lives.

Tedizolid (Cubist)

Recommended for approval by the FDA Anti-Infective Drugs Advisory Committee, tedizolid was noninferior to linezolid in treating acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSIs) caused by several organisms, including MRSA. Tedizolid is given once daily for 6 days, compared with twice-daily linezolid for 10 days. Read more.

Oritavancin (The Medicine Group)

A randomized, phase-3 noninferiority trial showed that oritavancin, a licoglycopeptide that is given as a single dose, was noninferior to vancomycin in the treatment of ABSSSIs. The drug is also effective against MRSA. Read more.

Ceftolozane/Tazobactam (Cubist)

This combination antimicrobial has demonstrated effectiveness against bacteria that cause urinary tract infections and intra-abdominal infections, specifically Pseudomonas aeruginosa, extended-spectrum beta-lactamase–producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Read more.

Ceftobiprole (Basilea)

A fifth-generation cephalosporin, ceftobiprole has demonstrated noninferiority to the combined therapy of ceftazidime and linezolid in the treatment of hospital-acquired pneumonia, with the exception of ventilator-associated pneumonia. It is approved for use in Europe but has seen some regulatory hurdles in the US. Read more.

Delamanid (Otsuka)

This new anti-tuberculosis drug was recently approved for use in Europe. It can be used as part of a treatment regimen for patients with TB who are resistant to other medications. It is not yet approved in the US. Read more.