Game Changers: New β-Lactamase Inhibitor Combinations Targeting Antibiotic Resistance in Gram-Negative Bacteria

Recent regulatory approvals for the β-lactam inhibitor combinations of ceftazidime-avibactam and meropenem-vaborbactam have provided two novel therapeutic options for the treatment of multidrug-resistant infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria. Most importantly, these combination agents have satisfied an important medical need related to antibiotic-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae that produce serine carbapenemases, especially the Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC) enzymes. Both combinations contain non-β-lactam β-lactamase inhibitors of novel chemical classes not previously developed as antibacterial agents, the diazabicyclooctanes and cyclic boronic acid derivatives. Their rapid development and approval programs have spurred a number of similar inhibitor combinations that will need to differentiate themselves for commercial success. Gaps still exist for the treatment of infections caused by multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter spp., and metallo-β-lactamase-producing pathogens. Overall, the new β-lactamase inhibitor combinations have infused new life into the search for new antibacterial agents to treat multidrug-resistant bacteria.