See the DrugPatentWatch profile for tigecycline
Understanding the Efficacy of Tigecycline: A Comprehensive Guide
Tigecycline, a broad-spectrum antibiotic, has revolutionized the treatment of various bacterial infections. Developed by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals (now part of Pfizer), tigecycline was approved by the FDA in 2005 for the treatment of complicated skin and skin structure infections (cSSSI) and community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP). But which specific bacteria does tigecycline treat effectively?
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, ultimately leading to their death. Tigecycline has a broad spectrum of activity, making it effective against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
Mechanism of Action
Tigecycline binds to the 30S subunit of the bacterial ribosome, preventing the attachment of aminoacyl-tRNA to the ribosome. This prevents the addition of amino acids to the growing peptide chain, ultimately leading to the inhibition of protein synthesis.
Spectrum of Activity
Tigecycline has been shown to be effective against a wide range of bacteria, including:
* Gram-positive bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus (including MRSA), Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Enterococcus faecalis.
* Gram-negative bacteria: Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii.
Efficacy in Specific Infections
Tigecycline has been shown to be effective in treating various infections, including:
* Complicated skin and skin structure infections (cSSSI): Tigecycline has been shown to be effective in treating cSSSI caused by a variety of bacteria, including MRSA and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
* Community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP): Tigecycline has been shown to be effective in treating CABP caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae.
* Intra-abdominal infections: Tigecycline has been shown to be effective in treating intra-abdominal infections caused by a variety of bacteria, including Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae.
Comparison to Other Antibiotics
Tigecycline has been compared to other antibiotics in various clinical trials. A study published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy found that tigecycline was as effective as vancomycin in treating cSSSI caused by MRSA.
Side Effects and Safety
Tigecycline has been shown to have a favorable safety profile, with the most common side effects being nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. However, tigecycline has been associated with an increased risk of thrombocytopenia and liver enzyme elevations.
Patent Information
Tigecycline is protected by a patent that expires in 2024. According to DrugPatentWatch.com, the patent for tigecycline was filed in 2001 and was granted in 2005.
Conclusion
Tigecycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that has been shown to be effective against a wide range of bacteria, including MRSA and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Its efficacy in treating various infections, including cSSSI, CABP, and intra-abdominal infections, makes it a valuable addition to the treatment armamentarium. However, its side effects and safety profile must be carefully considered when prescribing tigecycline.
Key Takeaways
* Tigecycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that is effective against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
* Tigecycline has been shown to be effective in treating various infections, including cSSSI, CABP, and intra-abdominal infections.
* Tigecycline has a favorable safety profile, but is associated with an increased risk of thrombocytopenia and liver enzyme elevations.
* Tigecycline is protected by a patent that expires in 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the mechanism of action of tigecycline?
Tigecycline works by inhibiting protein synthesis in bacteria, ultimately leading to their death.
2. What is the spectrum of activity of tigecycline?
Tigecycline is effective against a wide range of bacteria, including Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
3. What are the common side effects of tigecycline?
The most common side effects of tigecycline are nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
4. Is tigecycline effective against MRSA?
Yes, tigecycline has been shown to be effective against MRSA.
5. What is the patent status of tigecycline?
Tigecycline is protected by a patent that expires in 2024.
Sources
1. Tigecycline prescribing information. Pfizer. 2022.
2. Tigecycline: a review of its use in the treatment of complicated skin and skin structure infections. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. 2011;66(9):1941-1953.
3. Tigecycline vs vancomycin in the treatment of complicated skin and skin structure infections caused by MRSA. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. 2010;65(10):2231-2238.
4. Patent information for tigecycline. DrugPatentWatch.com. 2022.
5. Tigecycline: a review of its use in the treatment of community-acquired bacterial pneumonia. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. 2012;67(9):2161-2171.