Superbugs [1], beware. European regulators have unleashed the Novartis drug Cubicin on two more dangerous hospital-acquired infections, including those caused by multidrug-resistant staph, or MRSA. Cubicin is first in a new class of antibiotics known as cyclic lipopeptides designed to prevent bacteria from releasing toxins into the bloodstream.
The two new indications approve Cubicin for use against staph infections of the heart valve and bloodstream. Studies showed the drug as equally effective as current standard-of-care treatments with vancomycin or penicillin-plus-gentamicin - with fewer instances of impaired kidney function, the company said.
- check out the Novartis press release [2]
- and here's more [3] from CNN MoneyÂ
Related Articles:
Cubist seeks expanded label for Cubicin. Report
Drug-resistant superbugs drive blockbuster antibacterials [4]. Report [1]
Indian court spurns Novartis on patent challenge. Report [5]
NCI cancels Novartis cancer study. Report [6]
Links:
[1] http://www.fiercebiotech.com/story/drug-resistant-superbugs-drive-blockbuster-antibacterials/2007-03-08
[2] http://www.fiercebiotech.com/press-releases/cubicin-receives-european-approval-expand-use-treating-two-additional-types-life-thre
[3] http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/newstex/AFX-0013-19349452.htm
[4] http://www.fiercebiotech.com/story/cubist-seeks-expanded-label-for-cubicin/2005-06-28
[5] http://www.fiercepharma.com/story/indian-court-spurns-novartis-patent-challenge/2007-08-06
[6] http://www.fiercepharma.com/story/nci-cancels-novartis-cancer-study/2007-08-14