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Published on: October 16, 2015
Plazomicin: A New Aminoglycoside
Louis D Saravolatz1,2, Gary E Stein3
1Ascension-St John Hospital, Grosse Pointe Woods, and Wayne State University School of Medicine, East Lansing.
Abstract:
Plazomicin (ACHN-490) is a novel parenteral aminoglycoside developed to target multidrug-resistant Enterobacteriaceae. It has recently been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the management of complicated urinary tract infections and pyelonephritis caused by susceptible organisms. When compared with meropenem, plazomicin was not inferior. The adverse-event profile for plazomicin was comparable to meropenem except for an increased additional rise in serum creatinine in the plazomicin arm compared with the meropenem arm. This review focuses on the mode of action, antimicrobial activity, pharmacokinetics, clinical indications, and safety profile of this drug. Considerations for formulary addition and its place in therapy are also discussed.
Insights
Plazomicin is a new antibiotic effective against drug-resistant bacteria. It shows comparable efficacy to meropenem for complicated urinary tract infections but has a slightly higher risk of increased serum creatinine.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology and Infectious Diseases
- Antimicrobial Resistance
- Drug Development
Background:
- Multidrug-resistant Enterobacteriaceae pose a significant threat to public health.
- Novel antibiotics are crucial for combating infections caused by these resistant pathogens.
- Plazomicin (ACHN-490) is a novel parenteral aminoglycoside developed to address this challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mode of action, antimicrobial activity, pharmacokinetics, clinical indications, and safety profile of plazomicin.
- To discuss the considerations for formulary addition and the place of plazomicin in therapy.
- To evaluate plazomicin's efficacy and safety compared to meropenem.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on plazomicin.
- Comparative analysis of plazomicin and meropenem clinical trial data.
- Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic assessments.
Main Results:
- Plazomicin demonstrated non-inferiority to meropenem in treating complicated urinary tract infections.
- The adverse-event profile was comparable, with a notable increase in serum creatinine in the plazomicin group.
- Plazomicin targets multidrug-resistant Enterobacteriaceae.
Conclusions:
- Plazomicin is an effective treatment option for complicated urinary tract infections caused by susceptible organisms.
- Its safety profile is generally comparable to meropenem, with careful monitoring for renal effects recommended.
- Plazomicin represents a valuable addition to the therapeutic arsenal against resistant bacterial infections.

