New drug on front line in fight against MRSA

[lovuian]

/New drug on front line in fight against MRSA

June 17 2005




http://www.theherald.co.uk/news/41428.html


THE US government approved a new antibiotic yesterday to give hospitals another weapon against hardened infections.
Tygacil, known chemically as tigecycline, is an intravenous antibiotic for treating complicated abdominal and skin infections in adults.
New antibiotics are urgently needed, as bacteria evolve to resist treatment by drugs.
Tygacil is the first in a new class of antibiotics derived from the tetracycline family, said Dr Edward Cox, of the US Food and Drug Administration. The treatment is broad-spectrum, meaning it can fight a range of bacteria, including MRSA, the hospital superbug that is spreading in the community.
"Certainly having additional therapeutic options available is beneficial," Cox said.
Maker Wyeth Pharmaceuticals said Tygacil can be used as first-line therapy, and proved comparable to some two-drug combination therapies.
The most common side effects are nausea and vomiting and the drug is not suitable for pregnant women. AP

[BlueIris]

1. Wyeth made it? Okay, I'm cautiously optimistic. nt.