Microbiological profile of a new topical antibacterial: retapamulin ointment 1%

Abstract

Retapamulin is a new topical pleuromutilin antibiotic for the treatment of skin and skin-structure infections, including impetigo. In vitro studies indicate that retapamulin has a unique mode of action that minimizes the potential for target-specific cross-resistance with other antibacterials and a limited potential for resistance development. Its spectrum of activity includes the most likely causative pathogens Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. In the Global Surveillance Program, retapamulin was highly active in vitro, including against strains of S. aureus resistant to methicillin, mupirocin or fusidic acid. In clinical studies, retapamulin was noninferior to fusidic acid and oral cefalexin, achieving per-pathogen success rates of 86–99%. Topical retapamulin has a good safety profile and is associated with high patient compliance.

Keywords::

• antibacterial
• antimicrobial
• inhibition
• mechanism/mode of action
• pleuromutilin
• resistance
• retapamulin

Acknowledgements

The authors take full responsibility for the content of the paper but thank Caudex Medical, UK, supported by GlaxoSmithKline, for assistance in preparing the initial draft of the manuscript and collating the comments of authors and other named contributors.

Financial & competing interests disclosure

Nicole E Scangarella-Oman and Ribhi M Shawar are employees of GlaxoSmithKline, the manufacturer of Altabax^®/Altargo^® (retapamulin 1%). Samuel Bouchillon and Daryl Hoban are employees of International Health Management Associates (IHMA) Inc. Services of IHMA were provided for by a grant from GlaxoSmithKline. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

Writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript. Caudex Medical, UK, supported by GlaxoSmithKline, assisted in preparing the initial draft of the manuscript and collating the comments of authors and other named contributors.