Vancomycin vs TMP/SMX for MRSA – Not the Final Word

Vancomycin got a bad reputation since the early 90ies when it became clear that it was slow to provide clinical improvement and microbiologic cure in MRSA patients.  It was associated with prolonged bacteremia even when combined with rifampin [1].  And for MSSA, anti-staph penicillins like nafcillin were always the better choice. Then, Continue reading Vancomycin vs TMP/SMX for MRSA – Not the Final Word

Cattle and Pigs and Chickens, Oh Yeah!

When the Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) Final Rule was announced earlier this month by FDA, the accompanying press release called it a ‘major step towards judicious antibiotic use’ in veterinary medicine [1]. There are several elements which look good, at least on paper: As prescribers of any and all antibiotics it Continue reading Cattle and Pigs and Chickens, Oh Yeah!

No Such Thing as a Free Ride…

..when it comes to FDA review of antibiotic NDAs.  Some seem to have forgotten the dismal record of antibiotic approvals in the last 15 years, and the long list of failed submissions.  Many failed not because of lack of efficacy or a bad safety profile but because of changes in Continue reading No Such Thing as a Free Ride…