Clovibactin and Staphylococcus aureus: a new weapon against resistant strains

Clovibactin is a new depsipeptide and highly efficacious against Sta p h y l o coccus (S.) aureus, including methicillin-resistant and vancomycin-resistant S. aureus, with no apparent resistance. Clovibactin outclasses current antibiotics such as vancomycin. Here, we discuss its efficacy, emphasize the need for new antibiotics owing to growing global antibiotic resistance, highlight its mode of action and possible benefits over current treatments. We also highlight the challenges involved in large-scale manufacturing and the status of continuing research to advance effective and less toxic derivatives.