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Do we really need new anti-infective drugs?
1Medical Servicer 111(W), Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, 10701 East Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA. louis.rice@med.va.gov
Current Opinion in Pharmacology
|October 16, 2003
Summary
Antimicrobial resistance and patient intolerance to treatments necessitate novel antimicrobial agents. New drugs with single daily dosing are crucial for effective home-based treatment and reducing hospital-acquired infections.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Nosocomial infections are a significant cause of patient morbidity and mortality.
- Extensive antimicrobial use, especially in critical care, drives the emergence of multidrug-resistant pathogens.
- Patient intolerance to susceptible antimicrobial agents limits therapeutic choices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address the challenges posed by nosocomial infections and antimicrobial resistance.
- To highlight the need for novel antimicrobial agents.
- To emphasize the requirement for agents suitable for outpatient and home administration.
Main Methods:
- This study reviews the current landscape of nosocomial infections and antimicrobial resistance.
- It analyzes the limitations of existing therapeutic options.
- It discusses the pharmacokinetic requirements for effective home-based antimicrobial therapy.
Main Results:
- The rise of antimicrobial resistance poses a critical threat in healthcare settings.
- Existing treatments may be ineffective or poorly tolerated by patients.
- There is a growing demand for antimicrobial agents that allow for simplified dosing regimens.
Conclusions:
- Novel antimicrobial agents are urgently needed to combat resistant infections.
- Agents with favorable pharmacokinetic profiles for once-daily dosing are essential.
- Developing such agents will facilitate earlier hospital discharge and effective home treatment, reducing the burden of nosocomial infections.