New Frontier on Antimicrobial Therapy: Long-Acting Lipoglycopeptides

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology and Infectious Diseases
• Antimicrobial Therapy

Background:

• Long-acting lipoglycopeptides (LGPs) are potent semisynthetic antibiotics effective against Gram-positive bacteria, including methicillin-sensitive and resistant *Staphylococcus aureus* (MSSA/MRSA).
• LGPs offer a unique pharmacokinetic profile that may allow for less frequent dosing and potentially shorter treatment durations compared to traditional antibiotics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current clinical use and effectiveness of oritavancin and dalbavancin in treating Gram-positive bacterial infections.
• To assess the potential of LGPs as an alternative treatment strategy facilitating early hospital discharge and reduced need for prolonged intravenous access.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was performed on PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov for studies published up to July 2023.
• Included study types encompassed case reports, case series, observational studies, and clinical trials evaluating oritavancin and dalbavancin in clinical practice.

Main Results:

• LGPs demonstrate broad-spectrum activity against key Gram-positive pathogens.
• Emerging evidence suggests LGPs can facilitate earlier hospital discharge and reduce the need for long-term intravenous antibiotic administration.
• Pharmacologic and pharmacokinetic properties underpin the potential benefits of LGPs.

Conclusions:

• Long-acting lipoglycopeptides represent a promising therapeutic option for Gram-positive bacterial infections.
• Further high-quality clinical data, particularly regarding patient outcomes and success rates, are required to support wider adoption of LGPs in clinical practice.