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Microbiological profile of a new topical antibacterial: retapamulin ointment 1%

Nicole E Scangarella-Oman1, Ribhi M Shawar, Samuel Bouchillon

  • 1GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, PA 19426, USA. nicole_e_scangarella-oman@gsk.com

Expert Review of Anti-Infective Therapy
|April 7, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Retapamulin offers a novel topical treatment for skin infections like impetigo. This pleuromutilin antibiotic shows low resistance potential and high efficacy against common pathogens, including resistant strains.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Skin and skin-structure infections (SSIs) pose a significant clinical challenge.
  • Emerging antibiotic resistance necessitates novel therapeutic agents.
  • Topical antibiotics are crucial for managing localized SSIs.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy and safety of retapamulin, a novel topical pleuromutilin antibiotic.
  • To assess retapamulin's activity against key pathogens causing SSIs, including resistant strains.
  • To compare retapamulin's performance with existing treatments.

Main Methods:

  • In vitro susceptibility testing against common SSI pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes).
  • Global surveillance program data analysis for in vitro activity.
  • Clinical trials comparing topical retapamulin with fusidic acid and oral cefalexin.

Main Results:

  • Retapamulin demonstrated high in vitro activity, including against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
  • Clinical studies showed retapamulin was noninferior to fusidic acid and cefalexin.
  • Per-pathogen success rates ranged from 86% to 99%.

Conclusions:

  • Topical retapamulin is an effective treatment for impetigo and other SSIs.
  • It possesses a favorable safety profile and high patient compliance.
  • Retapamulin's unique mechanism minimizes cross-resistance and resistance development potential.

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