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

Antibiotic Inhalers Galore (Part 1):  More Combinations and Permutations than a Rubik’s Cube

There is much interest in inhaled antibiotics these days.  Prima facie, the logic for this approach is compelling: Getting the antibiotic (and a lot of it) directly to the site of infection, while avoiding systemic toxicity, sounds like optimized efficacy Continue reading Antibiotic Inhalers Galore (Part 1):  More Combinations and Permutations than a Rubik’s Cube

Timely New Information on Next-Generation Tetracyclines – Part 2: Eravacycline and Protein Binding

A recent paper by Thabit describes a curious finding [1]. The authors measured total and free (i.e., nonprotein-bound) eravacycline levels at ascending doses in a mouse model. They found strikingly small increases in free drug levels when titrating up total doses. The Continue reading Timely New Information on Next-Generation Tetracyclines – Part 2: Eravacycline and Protein Binding

Choose your Outcome: How Design Minutiae Affect Trial Results

When you search for ‘ceftidoren’ on Wikipedia, you will get a surprise: there is no entry. However, a search on the web tells us that Spectracef (ceftidoren pivoxil) still exists. Gee, now the drug is spelled ‘cefditoren’ and – looking Continue reading Choose your Outcome: How Design Minutiae Affect Trial Results

The FDA AMDAC on Fluoroquinolones (Part 2): Where Were the FQ Advocates?

Any FDA meeting is a high-stakes game for industry:  One never knows how the discussions will go. Some oddball issue may take center stage and usurp much time, creating an unbalanced perspective.  At other times, simple issues seem to create Continue reading The FDA AMDAC on Fluoroquinolones (Part 2): Where Were the FQ Advocates?