To Kill A Mocking Bug – of the CRKP or CRAB Variety

Meropenem stands out as an antibiotic to be used first in ESBL and MDR infections, given its efficacy profile and safety record (see earlier blog). It also would seem to be appropriate to use relatively high doses or prolonged infusion Continue reading To Kill A Mocking Bug – of the CRKP or CRAB Variety

Aerosolized Antibiotics (Part 2) – Mixed News on Two Fronts

INSMED – NTM The company that is developing Arikayce, a preparation of liposomal amikacin inhalation (LAI), for the treatment of NTM had to withdraw its MAA in Europe earlier this year [1] because data was not convincing enough for regulators to Continue reading Aerosolized Antibiotics (Part 2) – Mixed News on Two Fronts

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

AZD-0914: A New Broad-Spectrum Narrow-Development Path Drug

At first glance, the list of features that distinguish AZD-0914 from other FQ seems impressive: broad Gram-positive and Gram-negative activity, MRSA and MSSA activity, potency against fluoroquinolone (FQ)-resistant isolates, low frequency for S. aureus resistance, and impressive activity against C. Continue reading AZD-0914: A New Broad-Spectrum Narrow-Development Path Drug

Polyphor POL7080 And The Journey to The Land of Pyocyanea (Part 3)

VABP is clearly the main indication to be pursued by a drug like POL7080.  Here is the question: How to conduct a study demonstrating efficacy for a drug which only has a single-organism spectrum?  Which is actually no spectrum at all.  Existing Continue reading Polyphor POL7080 And The Journey to The Land of Pyocyanea (Part 3)