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Published on: February 14, 2018
The antiseptic Miramistin: a review of its comparative in vitro and clinical activity
Ali Osmanov1, Zara Farooq2, Malcolm D Richardson3,4
1Next Level Diagnostics, Mikhailovsky lane 20,7, Kiev 01001, Ukraine.
Abstract:
Miramistin is a topical antiseptic with broad antimicrobial action, including activity against biofilms and a clinical profile showing good tolerability. Miramistin was developed within a framework of the Soviet Union Cold War Space Program. It is available for clinical use in several prior Soviet bloc countries, but barely known outside of these countries and there is almost no mention of miramistin in the English literature. However, considering emerging antimicrobial resistance, the significant potential of miramistin justifies its re-evaluation for use in other geographical areas and conditions. The review consists of two parts: (i) a review of the existing literature on miramistin in English, Russian and Ukrainian languages; (ii) a summary of most commonly used antiseptics as comparators of miramistin. The oral LD50 was 1200 mg/kg, 1000 mg/kg and 100 g/L in rats, mice and fish, respectively. Based on the results of the review, we suggest possible applications of miramistin and potential benefits over currently used agents. Miramistin offers a novel, low toxicity antiseptic with many potential clinical uses that need better study which could address some of the negative impact of antimicrobial, antiseptic and disinfectant resistance.
Insights
Miramistin, a topical antiseptic developed during the Soviet space program, shows broad antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activity. Its low toxicity and potential benefits warrant re-evaluation for wider clinical use amid rising antimicrobial resistance.
Area of Science:
- Antimicrobial agents
- Topical antiseptics
- Biofilm research
Background:
- Miramistin, a topical antiseptic, was developed by the Soviet Union's space program.
- It exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, including efficacy against biofilms.
- Miramistin is approved for clinical use in former Soviet bloc countries but is largely unknown elsewhere.
Observation:
- The review synthesizes literature on Miramistin from English, Russian, and Ukrainian sources.
- It compares Miramistin's efficacy and safety profile with commonly used antiseptics.
- Toxicological data indicates low oral toxicity (LD50: 1200 mg/kg in rats, 1000 mg/kg in mice).
Findings:
- Miramistin demonstrates significant antimicrobial and anti-biofilm properties.
- It possesses a favorable tolerability profile.
- The compound exhibits low systemic toxicity.
Implications:
- Miramistin's unique properties suggest potential applications in combating antimicrobial resistance.
- It may offer advantages over existing topical antiseptics.
- Further research is needed to explore its clinical utility in diverse geographical regions and conditions.
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