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Taking inventory: antibacterial agents currently at or beyond phase 1
Karen Bush1, Mark Macielag, Michele Weidner-Wells
1Johnson and Johnson Pharmaceutical Research and Development, L.L.C., 1000 Route 202, Raritan, New Jersey 08869, USA. kbush@prdus.jnj.com
Current Opinion in Microbiology
|September 29, 2004
Summary
New antibacterial agents are in clinical trials to combat resistant infections. These include novel beta-lactams, glycopeptides, quinolones, and other classes targeting diverse bacterial pathogens.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Infectious Diseases
- Drug Discovery
Background:
- Bacterial infections pose a significant threat, exacerbated by rising antimicrobial resistance.
- A diverse range of antibacterial agents are in development to address this challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of antibacterial agents currently in clinical trials.
- To highlight the variety of mechanisms and targets being explored for new antibiotics.
Main Methods:
- Review of ongoing clinical trials for antibacterial agents.
- Categorization of agents by chemical class and spectrum of activity.
Main Results:
- At least 18 antibacterial agents are in clinical trials.
- New agents include beta-lactams (carbapenems, cephalosporins), glycopeptides, quinolones, glycolipodepsipeptides, dihydrofolate reductase inhibitors, oxazolidinones, peptide antibiotics, glycylcyclines, and peptide deformylase inhibitors.
- Agents target both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including multi-resistant strains.
Conclusions:
- Clinical trials are actively investigating novel antibacterial therapies.
- The pipeline includes diverse drug classes and mechanisms to combat susceptible and resistant bacterial infections.