See the DrugPatentWatch profile for tigecycline
Tigecycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic, commonly used to treat various bacterial infections, including those caused by drug-resistant bacteria [1]. The development of antibiotic resistance, particularly to last-resort antibiotics like tigecycline, is a significant global health concern. To prevent or delay tigecycline resistance, several measures can be taken:
1. **Prudent Use of Antibiotics**: One of the most effective ways to prevent antibiotic resistance is to use them judiciously [2]. This includes prescribing tigecycline only when it is necessary and appropriate, and following guidelines for dosage and duration of treatment.
2. **Combination Therapy**: Using tigecycline in combination with other antibiotics can help prevent resistance. This approach can target bacteria from multiple angles, making it more difficult for them to develop resistance [3].
3. **Infection Prevention and Control**: Implementing strict infection prevention and control measures in healthcare settings can reduce the spread of bacteria and the development of antibiotic resistance [4].
4. **New Antibiotic Development**: Continued research and development of new antibiotics, including those with novel mechanisms of action, can help address the issue of antibiotic resistance [5].
5. **Patient Education**: Educating patients about the importance of completing their full course of antibiotics, even if they feel better, can help prevent the development of antibiotic resistance [6].
It's important to note that the patent for tigecycline expired in 2018, which may increase access to this important antibiotic [7]. However, this also underscores the importance of the above measures to prevent or delay the development of resistance.
Sources:
[1]
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK65493/
[2]
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/antibiotic-resistance
[3]
https://academic.oup.com/jac/article/69/suppl_2/ii122/1035847
[4]
https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/antimicrobial-resistance
[5]
https://www.fda.gov/industry/developing-antibiotics-infectious-diseases/antibacterial-drug-development
[6]
https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/antimicrobial-resistance
[7]
https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/tigecycline