All Smiles at the Press Conference: Plazo+Levo Delivers

This December, Achaogen released much data on 2 plazomicin trials[1]: the pivotal EPIC study comparing plazomicin / levofloxacin with meropenem / levofloxacin in cUTI is the one we want to look at today because it is interpretable, while the other trial Continue reading All Smiles at the Press Conference: Plazo+Levo Delivers

Progress Report: New Antibacterials In the Fight against MDR Bacteria

Since the beginning of this millennium we have seen antibiotic R&D dwindle year after year. There are many reasons for this; while economics are often cited for this decline, the FDA and the ‘Guideline Wars’, i.e., those never ending discussions Continue reading Progress Report: New Antibacterials In the Fight against MDR Bacteria

The 10 x ’20 Goal – Are We On Track?

In the last decade (2000-2010), we saw the number of new antibiotic approvals drop successively each year; FDA changed the rules of the approval process without providing public guidance; many antibiotic companies fled the therapeutic area; investments were redirected to Continue reading The 10 x ’20 Goal – Are We On Track?

Avycaz Approval and Labeling Restrictions

On Feb 25, 2015 the combination of ceftazidime/avibactam (Avycaz) was approved by FDA for cUTI and cIAI infections in patients ‘who have limited or no alternative treatment options’.  As a QIDP drug, Avycaz received priority review.  Its label states that it is Continue reading Avycaz Approval and Labeling Restrictions

Most Anti-Infective Guidelines Don’t Get No Respect (Let Alone Use!)

It is no secret that most existing antibiotic guidelines are not getting much use these days.  The only indications pursued with any regularity are the feasible ones: ABSSSI, cUTI, and cIAI, much less CABP.  Yes, the occasional HABP/VABP trial is Continue reading Most Anti-Infective Guidelines Don’t Get No Respect (Let Alone Use!)