Teflaro Approved to Treat Bacterial Infections

The FDA has approved Teflaro (ceftaroline fosamil), an injectable antibiotic, for the treatment of adults with community acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP) and acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI), including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Marketed by Forest Laboratories, Teflaro is an antibacterial agent in a class of drugs known as cephalosporins, which act by interfering with the bacterial cell wall.

CABP is a bacterial infection that develops in the lungs of patients who are exposed to the bacteria in their normal environment, while ABSSSI is a bacterial infection of skin and skin structures that requires antibiotic treatment and may require surgical treatment.

MRSA is a type of staph bacteria that is resistant to certain antibiotics, including methicillin, oxacillin, penicillin, and amoxicillin. In the community, most MRSA infections are skin infections. Severe or potentially life-threatening MRSA infections occur most frequently among patients in contact with health care settings, according to the CDC.

“These are serious and potentially life-threatening infections for which new treatment options are needed,” said Edward Cox, MD, MPH, director, Office of Antimicrobial Products in FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, in a statement. “FDA is committed to facilitating new antibiotic drug development.”

The safety and effectiveness of Teflaro was evaluated in four Phase 3 clinical trials conducted in patients ages 18 years and older (two each in CABP and in ABSSSI). In the CABP trials, the comparator antibacterial treatment was Rocephin (ceftriaxone) and in the ABSSSI trials, the comparator antibacterial treatment was Vancocin (vancomycin) plus Azactam (aztreonam).

In the CABP trials, 1,231 adult patients received Teflaro or Rocephin. Clinical response based on improvement in signs and symptoms of pneumonia on Day 4 after starting therapy served as the key analysis endpoint. In both trials, the effectiveness of Teflaro was comparable to Rocephin.

In the ABSSSI trials, 1,396 adult patients received Teflaro or Vancocin plus Azactam. Clinical response, including cessation of spread of the lesion and absence of fever on Day 3, served as the key analysis endpoint. In both trials, Teflaro was comparable to Vancocin plus Azactam.

The most commonly reported side effects in patients treated with Teflaro included diarrhea, nausea and rash. Teflaro should not be used in patients with sensitivities to cephalosporin antibiotics.

For more information:

• Enzyme-Containing Nanocoating Kills MRSA on Contact
• 15 Minute MRSA Test
• MRSA Infection Rates Drop Dramatically

How much of a problem is MRSA in your hospital? Do you anticipate that you will prescribe Teflaro to your patients? If not, what are your concerns about the drug?