Why Some Did Not Make It

There are numerous reasons why drugs get stuck in development.  Certainly, problems with efficacy or problems with safety are main reasons but there are many other ‘derailers’ as well.  For instance regulatory issues or manufacturing, difficulties can stop a program.  Continue reading Why Some Did Not Make It

What’s in a Name?  Would ‘Carbavance’ Still Smell as Sweet?

Since the publication of a series of posters at ICAAC 2014, we finally know what’s hidden behind the ‘Carbavance’ name.  ‘Carbavance’ stands for the combination of meropenem with the B-lactamase inhibitor RPX7009 which The Medicines Company (TMC) inlicensed from Rempex Continue reading What’s in a Name?  Would ‘Carbavance’ Still Smell as Sweet?

Not So Boring:  Boron-Containing Antibiotics Create a Stir

Why are there so few boron-containing drugs on the market?  The cancer drug bortezumib (Velcade®) may be the only better-known drug on the market with a boron atom in its structure.[1]  Among antibiotics, there is Kerydin™ (tavaborole), an approved topical Continue reading Not So Boring:  Boron-Containing Antibiotics Create a Stir