See the DrugPatentWatch profile for tigecycline

Tigecycline: A Broad-Spectrum Antibiotic for Treating a Wide Range of Bacterial Infections

Tigecycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of a wide range of bacterial infections. But which specific bacteria does tigecycline treat? In this article, we'll delve into the world of tigecycline and explore its mechanism of action, spectrum of activity, and clinical applications.

What is Tigecycline?

Tigecycline is a glycylcycline antibiotic that was first approved by the FDA in 2005 for the treatment of complicated skin and skin structure infections (cSSSI) caused by susceptible bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). It is a semi-synthetic derivative of minocycline, a tetracycline antibiotic.

Mechanism of Action

Tigecycline works by inhibiting protein synthesis in bacteria. It binds to the 30S ribosomal subunit, preventing the attachment of aminoacyl-tRNA to the mRNA-ribosome complex. This prevents the formation of the peptide bond between amino acids, thereby inhibiting protein synthesis.

Spectrum of Activity

Tigecycline has a broad spectrum of activity against a wide range of bacteria, including:

* Gram-positive bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus, including MRSA, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Enterococcus faecalis
* Gram-negative bacteria: Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii
* Anaerobic bacteria: Bacteroides fragilis, Clostridium perfringens, and Fusobacterium nucleatum
* Atypical bacteria: Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydophila pneumoniae, and Legionella pneumophila

Clinical Applications

Tigecycline is approved for the treatment of the following infections:

* Complicated skin and skin structure infections (cSSSI)
* Community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP)
* Abdominal infections, including intra-abdominal abscesses and peritonitis
* Complicated intra-abdominal infections (cIAI)

Comparison to Other Antibiotics

Tigecycline has several advantages over other antibiotics. It has a broader spectrum of activity than many other antibiotics, including vancomycin and linezolid. It is also effective against many antibiotic-resistant bacteria, including MRSA and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis (VRE).

Patent Information

Tigecycline is patented by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, which is now part of Pfizer. The patent for tigecycline was granted in 2004 and is set to expire in 2024.

Conclusion

Tigecycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that has a wide range of clinical applications. Its mechanism of action, spectrum of activity, and clinical applications make it an important tool in the fight against bacterial infections. As antibiotic resistance continues to be a major public health concern, tigecycline is an important option for healthcare providers.

FAQs

1. What is the mechanism of action of tigecycline?
Tigecycline works by inhibiting protein synthesis in bacteria by binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit.
2. What is the spectrum of activity of tigecycline?
Tigecycline has a broad spectrum of activity against a wide range of bacteria, including Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, anaerobic bacteria, and atypical bacteria.
3. What are the clinical applications of tigecycline?
Tigecycline is approved for the treatment of complicated skin and skin structure infections, community-acquired bacterial pneumonia, abdominal infections, and complicated intra-abdominal infections.
4. How does tigecycline compare to other antibiotics?
Tigecycline has a broader spectrum of activity than many other antibiotics and is effective against many antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
5. When does the patent for tigecycline expire?
The patent for tigecycline is set to expire in 2024.

Sources

1. DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Tigecycline Patent Information. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent/US-6765136>
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Antibiotic Resistance Threats in the United States, 2020. Retrieved from <https://www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/biggest-threats.html>
3. World Health Organization. (2020). Antimicrobial Resistance. Retrieved from <https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/antimicrobial-resistance>
4. Pfizer. (n.d.). Tygacil (Tigecycline) Prescribing Information. Retrieved from <https://www.pfizer.com/medicine/tygacil>
5. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. (n.d.). Antibiotics. Retrieved from <https://www.niaid.nih.gov/diseases-conditions/antibiotics>