CRE Surveillance Data from France

Despite all the concern about the emergence of CRE pathogens worldwide, it is quite difficult to obtain hard quantitative, prospectively collected incidence figures. A recent article by Robert [1] and colleagues provides useful data from France.  Using a practical definition of carbapenem-non-susceptibility (ertapenem > 0.5, imipenem, meropenem > 2, doripenem > 1), Continue reading CRE Surveillance Data from France

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 Pharmaceuticals a few years ago.  This is the ‘Carbavance’ which Continue reading What’s in a Name?  Would ‘Carbavance’ Still Smell as Sweet?

It’s Not a Free-Enterprise Market, Stupid!

The economics of developing antibacterials is a frustrating topic to address.  There are unique aspects to the antibiotic market which sets it apart from other medicines, esp. the unique societal aspects of antibiotic use which go beyond the benefit to the individual. IDSA has spoken out in various publications (“Bad Continue reading It’s Not a Free-Enterprise Market, Stupid!