Clinical Medicine Insights: Therapeutics

Ceftobiprole is a new parenterally administered fifth generation cephalosporin which has been shown to have antimicrobial activity against a broad range of bacteria, and specifically against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in complicated skin and skin structure infections (cSSSIs), with a cure rate non-inferior to vancomycin and ceftazidime. It has increased stability against β-lactamases and an increased affinity for PBP2 in MRSA strains. Ceftobiprole has shown a low tendency to select for resistance, and because it is excreted mainly in the urine, a low potential for adverse drug interactions. It has been shown to cause few mild to moderate adverse effects in patients. The broad-spectrum of activity makes it an excellent choice for initial monotherapy in cSSSIs. There is also promise for use in all types of pneumonia, and synergistic possibilities with aminoglycoside and fluoroquinolone drugs. It is awaiting final approval by the FDA.