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