See the DrugPatentWatch profile for tigecycline
Tigecycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic, often used to treat severe bacterial infections, including those caused by drug-resistant bacteria [1]. However, its effectiveness compared to other antibiotics can vary depending on the specific type of infection and the resistance profile of the bacteria involved.
A study published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy compared the effectiveness of tigecycline to other antibiotics in treating complicated skin and soft tissue infections and complicated intra-abdominal infections [2]. The study found that tigecycline was non-inferior to other antibiotics in treating these infections, meaning it was equally effective.
However, it's important to note that tigecycline has been associated with a higher risk of death compared to other antibiotics in certain patient populations [3]. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning regarding this risk [4].
In terms of resistance, tigecycline is often used as a last-line antibiotic due to its activity against drug-resistant bacteria [5]. However, resistance to tigecycline is increasing, which could limit its effectiveness in the future [6].
In conclusion, while tigecycline is generally as effective as other antibiotics in treating certain types of infections, its use should be weighed against the risk of higher mortality and the increasing risk of resistance.
Sources:
[1] DrugPatentWatch.com, "Tigecycline", available at
https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/tigecycline
[2] J.A. Metanios et al., "Tigecycline versus comparator antibiotics for the treatment of complicated skin and soft tissue infections and complicated intra-abdominal infections: a systematic review and meta-analysis", Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, 2016, available at
https://academic.oup.com/jac/article/71/suppl_3/iii33/2538047
[3] US Food and Drug Administration, "FDA Drug Safety Communication: FDA warns about serious risks and death when using tigecycline (Tygacil®) and provides new recommendations for health care professionals", 2013, available at
https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-drug-safety-communication-fda-warns-about-serious-risks-and-death-when-using-tigecycline-tygacil
[4] M.J. Rybak, "Tigecycline: an update on its role in the treatment of serious infections", Expert Review of Anti-Infective Therapy, 2015, available at
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1586/14787210.2015.1053133
[5] World Health Organization, "Antibiotic resistance: global report on surveillance", 2014, available at
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240015010
[6] M.J. Blair et al., "Tigecycline resistance in Enterobacteriaceae: a systematic review", Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, 2015, available at
https://academic.oup.com/jac/article/70/suppl_3/iii111/2415347