Evolving therapy for Helicobacter pylori infection

Abstract

Helicobacter pylori infection is a widespread disease causing significant morbidity and mortality, with relevant economic impact. A 7-day triple regimen (proton pump inhibitor together with two antibiotics) is currently suggested as first-line treatment, but the success rate following such a therapy is decreasing. Therefore, new drugs or novel therapeutic approaches are needed. Patents of new antibiotics have been claimed, such as both erythromycin and rifamycin derivatives, and new polycyclic compounds, showing a very powerful antibacterial activity in vitro. Patents of either H. pylori urease inhibitors or new proton pump inhibitors are also of great interest. Several attempts have been made to create vaccines for H. pylori infection, with interesting results in animal models. Experimentation in humans is ongoing.

• antibiotics
• Helicobacter pylori
• proton pump inhibitor
• therapy
• vaccine