FDA approves new antibiotic for staph, other infections

Editor's Note

The US Food and Drug administration approved Zevtera for treating Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB) bloodstream infections, which are often acquired in healthcare settings.

In the April 3 announcement, the agency notes the new antibiotic Zevtera (ceftobiprole medocaril sodium for injection) is effective for SAB-infected patients with right-sided infective endocarditis as well as two other conditions: adults with acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI) as well as community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP) in adult patients and children older than three months.

The full announcement contains further details on efficacy in treating the three conditions, side effects and warnings, and the approval to Basilea Pharmaceutica International Ltd.