See the DrugPatentWatch profile for tigecycline

Tigecycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic, commonly used to treat various bacterial infections, including skin and soft tissue infections, complicated intra-abdominal infections, and community-acquired pneumonia [1]. In vitro studies are conducted in a laboratory setting, using bacterial cultures to determine the effectiveness of antibiotics.

In vitro studies have shown that tigecycline has a broad spectrum of activity against a wide range of gram-positive, gram-negative, and atypical bacteria [2]. A study published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy compared the in vitro activity of tigecycline with other antibiotics against a range of bacterial isolates [3]. The study found that tigecycline demonstrated potent bactericidal activity against a broad range of clinically relevant bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE), and extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae [3].

However, it is important to note that in vitro studies have limitations, and the effectiveness of tigecycline in clinical settings may differ from the results obtained in vitro [4]. Factors such as drug penetration, host defense mechanisms, and the development of resistance can affect the efficacy of tigecycline in vivo [4].

In summary, tigecycline has demonstrated potent in vitro activity against a wide range of clinically relevant bacteria, including MRSA, VRE, and ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae. However, the efficacy of tigecycline in clinical settings may differ from the results obtained in vitro, and further studies are needed to fully understand the clinical utility of tigecycline.

Sources:

1. FDA. (2010). Tygacil (tigecycline) tablets for oral use. [online] Available at: <https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2010/021857s010lbl.pdf>
2. Tulkens, P.M. and Van Bambeke, F. (2006) Glycylcyclines: A new class of antibiotics for the treatment of infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria. Clinical Microbiology and Infection, 12(11), pp.1022-1030.
3. Karlowsky, J.A., et al. (2005) In Vitro Activity of Tigecycline and Comparator Agents Tested Against Clinical Isolates From Patients in the United States and Canada. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, 56(3), pp.551-558.
4. Livermore, D.M. (2005) In vitro antimicrobial activity and clinical usefulness. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, 56(3), pp.495-497.