Structural toxicity relationship (STR) of linezolid to mitigate myelosuppression and serotonergic toxicity

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant global health challenge, with multidrug-resistant (MDR-TB) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR-TB) strains posing severe threats to treatment efficacy. Linezolid, a key component of the BPaL (Bedaquiline, Pretomanid and Linezolid) regimen, has demonstrated substantial efficacy against MDR-TB and XDR-TB. However, its clinical utility is often limited by side effects such as myelosuppression and monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibition, linked to its mechanism of action. This perspective centres on the structural toxicity relationship (STR) of Linezolid and its analogues, exploring modifications to the C-ring and C-5 position that aim to reduce these toxicities while maintaining or enhancing antibacterial activity. Several promising analogues have been identified that exhibit reduced myelosuppression and MAO inhibition, highlighting the potential for developing safer Linezolid derivatives. The findings underscore the importance of continued research into the structure toxicity relationships of oxazolidinones to improve the therapeutic profiles of these essential drugs in combating drug-resistant TB.