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Oral meropenem for superbugs: challenges and opportunities
Aun Raza1, Shih Chen Ngieng2, Fekade Bruck Sime1
1School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia; Centre for Translational Anti-infective Pharmacodynamics, School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia.
Drug Discovery Today
|November 16, 2020
Summary
Developing oral meropenem (MER) is crucial to combat rising multidrug-resistant infections. Strategies like nanomedicine and prodrugs aim to enhance MER
Area of Science:
- Microbiology and Pharmacology
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Multidrug-resistant microbial strains pose a significant global health threat, projected to cause over 10 million deaths annually by 2055.
- Carbapenems, including meropenem (MER), are critical last-resort antibiotics but are only available as injectables due to poor oral bioavailability.
- Instability in the gut and limited permeability across the gut wall hinder oral MER formulations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review strategies for enhancing the oral bioavailability of meropenem (MER).
- To discuss challenges and emerging approaches for developing oral MER formulations.
Main Methods:
- Review of scientific literature on meropenem oral delivery.
- Analysis of strategies including inhibition of tubular secretion, prodrug development, and nanomedicine applications.
Main Results:
- Various strategies show promise for improving oral MER bioavailability.
- Nanomedicine and prodrug approaches are key areas of development.
- Overcoming MER's poor oral absorption remains a significant challenge.
Conclusions:
- Enhancing oral MER bioavailability is essential for combating antimicrobial resistance.
- Further research into novel drug delivery systems is needed for effective oral carbapenem therapy.
- Successful development of oral MER could revolutionize treatment for resistant infections.
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