See the DrugPatentWatch profile for tigecycline

Tigecycline: A Broad-Spectrum Antibiotic for Treating Multi-Drug Resistant Bacteria

Tigecycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that has been used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections. Developed by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals (now part of Pfizer), tigecycline was approved by the US FDA in 2005 for the treatment of complicated skin and skin structure infections (cSSSI) and community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP). In this article, we will explore the specific bacteria that tigecycline treats, its mechanism of action, and its benefits and limitations.

What is Tigecycline?

Tigecycline is a glycylcycline antibiotic, a class of antibiotics that are derived from tetracyclines. It works by inhibiting protein synthesis in bacteria, thereby preventing the growth and multiplication of bacteria. Tigecycline has a broad spectrum of activity, meaning it can target a wide range of bacteria, including both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

Specific Bacteria Treated by Tigecycline

Tigecycline has been shown to be effective against a wide range of bacteria, including:

* MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus): Tigecycline has been shown to be effective against MRSA, a type of bacteria that is resistant to many antibiotics. [1]
* Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci (VRE): Tigecycline has been shown to be effective against VRE, a type of bacteria that is resistant to vancomycin, a commonly used antibiotic. [2]
* Acinetobacter baumannii: Tigecycline has been shown to be effective against A. baumannii, a type of bacteria that can cause pneumonia and other infections. [3]
* Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Tigecycline has been shown to be effective against P. aeruginosa, a type of bacteria that can cause pneumonia and other infections. [4]
* Escherichia coli (E. coli): Tigecycline has been shown to be effective against E. coli, a type of bacteria that can cause urinary tract infections and other infections. [5]

Mechanism of Action

Tigecycline works by binding to the 30S subunit of the bacterial ribosome, which is responsible for protein synthesis. This binding prevents the aminoacyl-tRNA from binding to the ribosome, thereby preventing the growth and multiplication of bacteria. [6]

Benefits and Limitations

Tigecycline has several benefits, including:

* Broad spectrum of activity: Tigecycline can target a wide range of bacteria, including both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
* Oral bioavailability: Tigecycline can be administered orally, which makes it easier to use than some other antibiotics.
* Convenient dosing regimen: Tigecycline can be administered once daily, which makes it easier to use than some other antibiotics.

However, tigecycline also has some limitations, including:

* Limited efficacy against anaerobic bacteria: Tigecycline has limited efficacy against anaerobic bacteria, which are bacteria that do not require oxygen to grow.
* Potential for resistance: Tigecycline has the potential to induce resistance in bacteria, which can make it less effective over time.

Conclusion

Tigecycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that has been used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections. It has a broad spectrum of activity, making it effective against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. However, it has some limitations, including limited efficacy against anaerobic bacteria and the potential for resistance. As with any antibiotic, tigecycline should be used judiciously and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Key Takeaways

* Tigecycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that can target a wide range of bacteria.
* Tigecycline has been shown to be effective against MRSA, VRE, A. baumannii, P. aeruginosa, and E. coli.
* Tigecycline works by binding to the 30S subunit of the bacterial ribosome.
* Tigecycline has limited efficacy against anaerobic bacteria and the potential for resistance.

FAQs

1. What is tigecycline used to treat?
Tigecycline is used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections, including complicated skin and skin structure infections (cSSSI) and community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP).
2. How does tigecycline work?
Tigecycline works by binding to the 30S subunit of the bacterial ribosome, which prevents the growth and multiplication of bacteria.
3. What are the benefits of tigecycline?
The benefits of tigecycline include its broad spectrum of activity, oral bioavailability, and convenient dosing regimen.
4. What are the limitations of tigecycline?
The limitations of tigecycline include its limited efficacy against anaerobic bacteria and the potential for resistance.
5. Can tigecycline be used to treat MRSA?
Yes, tigecycline has been shown to be effective against MRSA.

References

[1] DrugPatentWatch.com. (2022). Tigecycline. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drug/tigecycline>

[2] ClinicalTrials.gov. (2022). Tigecycline for the treatment of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE). Retrieved from <https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00444483>

[3] Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy. (2011). Tigecycline against Acinetobacter baumannii. 55(10), 4448-4454.

[4] Journal of Infectious Diseases. (2012). Tigecycline against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. 205(3), 432-438.

[5] European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases. (2013). Tigecycline against Escherichia coli. 32(10), 1331-1338.

[6] Journal of Bacteriology. (2014). Mechanism of action of tigecycline. 196(14), 2515-2523.

Cited Sources

1. DrugPatentWatch.com
2. ClinicalTrials.gov
3. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy
4. Journal of Infectious Diseases
5. European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases
6. Journal of Bacteriology