Moxifloxacin

Dateline: 02/04/99

Moxifloxacin, an experimental antibiotic, kills previously drug resistant bacteria in a new study released this week. Scientists at Brown University studied the effects of moxifloxacin on several strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae that had previously been drug resistant. Researchers hope that moxifloxacin may become a potent new antibiotic in the fight against drug resistant bacteria.

In the study, the researchers found that a dose as small as 380 mg of moxifloxacin was enough to completely kill the bacteria. The bacteria had previously shown resistance to both penicillin and erythromycin.

The study used a two-section lab model that allowed the researchers to simulate and measure the half-life of the absorption and distribution of the drug as if it were in the human body. This setup was particularly important as it assisted the researchers in measuring a simulated pharmacokinetic profile for the drug.

Researchers are optimistic about moxifloxacin as it was shown to be more effective than levofloxacin, a commonly used antibiotic. Not only was moxifloxacin more potent against the strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae but also against bacteria that cause gastrointestinal and staph infections.

Researchers noted that the Streptococcus pneumoniae strains cause a variety of respiratory illnesses. Respiratory tract infections are the major source of illness in many areas of the world. Resistant strains of such bacteria have been increasing worldwide in the last decade.

The researchers note that in vivo clinical trials also need to be performed to corroborate the in vitro results.

This research will help the medical community to determine the appropriate dosage of moxifloxacin for different kinds of bacteria.

What do you think? How long will it take before a drug resistant form of bacteria to moxifloxacin will be found? Are we in a never-ending cycle of attempting to ward off bacteria? Come over to the Biology Forum and share your thoughts, opinions, and feelings.

For additional information see:

Experimental Antibiotic Promptly Kills Drug-resistant Bacteria in Studies
News release from Brown University