FDA Needs Radical Reform

The nomination of Dr. Scott Gottlieb for FDA commissioner, a political appointee, has created the usual bipartisan furor. He is called unqualified, a renegade, not committed enough to FDA orthodoxy, an industry darling by some and a maverick by others. All Continue reading FDA Needs Radical Reform

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

Solithromycin CAP Study:  Cap the Details (in the Publication)

In a recent publication, the results of a large Phase 3 trial comparing solithromycin with moxifloxacin in the treatment of CAP are presented [1]. As this was a global registration trial, we should refer to the indication as CABP, the current Continue reading Solithromycin CAP Study:  Cap the Details (in the Publication)

Food for Thought, Sprinkled With Small Amounts of Antibiotic Residues

80% of antibiotics worldwide are used in veterinary medicine. With only a minor fraction metabolized to inactive compounds, there are plenty of antibiotics excreted by farm animals in unchanged active form. These antibiotic residues are found in manure, in the Continue reading Food for Thought, Sprinkled With Small Amounts of Antibiotic Residues

Dalbavancin Approval Issues: A Case of Much Ado About Nothing

Dalbavancin has changed hands a few times in its development history, moving from Lilly to Vicuron, then Pfizer and ultimately Durata. The original NDA for dalbavancin was submitted to FDA on Dec. 21, 2004.  Pfizer acquired dalbavancin as a “Phase 3 completed” Continue reading Dalbavancin Approval Issues: A Case of Much Ado About Nothing