TXA-709 –  New Kid on the Block

When searching for FtsZ inhibitors on PubMed, there are 187 hits. When narrowing down the search looking for clinical trials only, there are none. Taxis Pharmaceuticals obtained QIDP status for its candidate drug TXA-709 in late 2016 and it is Continue reading TXA-709 –  New Kid on the Block

CDC Report on Pan-Resistant NDM Klebsiella in Nevada– A Sad Tale

During the past few weeks the case of a patient with MDR Klebsiella infection has made the news. We are told that this particular pathogen is “resistant to 26 antibiotics”. We were informed that the patient had multiple prior hospitalizations Continue reading CDC Report on Pan-Resistant NDM Klebsiella in Nevada– A Sad Tale

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

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

Quo Vadis, CDI Drugs?

There are only 3 CDI drugs in wider clinical use: vancomycin, metronidazole, and fidaxomicin. They are from totally different classes and have almost nothing in common except for proven efficacy in C. difficile infection (CDI). Like vancomycin, the entire group Continue reading Quo Vadis, CDI Drugs?