‘Superbugs’: new antibacterials in the pipeline

Abstract

‘Superbugs’ in the context discussed herein are Gram-positive pathogens that are multi-resistant to common antibiotic classes. Although many of these organisms were recently susceptible only to vancomycin, therapeutic options are now expanding with the recent approvals for the use of quinupristin-dalfopristin and linezolid against some of these pathogens. Compounds currently under development include cell-wall active agents, such as anti-MRSA cephalosporins, and the glycopeptide LY-333328 to treat resistant Gram-positive infections. More active topoisomerase inhibitors, such as gemifloxacin, sitafloxacin and non-fluoroquinolones, are being evaluated for treatment of multi-drug resistant streptococci, as is the penem faropenem. Novel protein synthesis inhibitors, such as new ketolides and the glycylcycline GAR-936, are also in development; in addition, the lipopeptides daptomycin and HMR-1043 are being evaluated. Safety and efficacy in the treatment of serious infections are two major issues that will determine the eventual success of these agents.

• β-lactam
• ABT-773
• antibacterial
• carbapenem
• cephalosporin
• dalfopristin
• daptomycin
• faropenem
• fluoroquinolone
• GAR-936
• gemifloxacin
• glycopeptide
• glycylcycline
• ketolide
• linezolid
• lipopeptide
• LY-333328
• oxazolidinone
• penem
• protein synthesis
• quinupristin
• R-115685
• RWJ-54428
• sitafloxacin
• streptogramin A and B
• telithromycin
• topoisomerase