Lefamulin acetate

Lefamulin acetate is a pleuromutilin antibiotic developed for the treatment of community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP). It is a semi-synthetic derivative of pleuromutilin, a natural product isolated from the mushroom Clitopilus passeckerianus. Lefamulin acetate is marketed under the brand name Xenleta by Nabriva Therapeutics.

Mechanism of Action

Lefamulin acetate works by inhibiting the protein synthesis in bacteria. It binds to the peptidyl transferase center of the 50S ribosomal subunit, preventing the addition of new amino acids to the growing peptide chain. This inhibits the growth and reproduction of the bacteria, effectively treating the infection.

Clinical Use

Lefamulin acetate is used for the treatment of adults with community-acquired bacterial pneumonia caused by susceptible microorganisms. It is administered either orally or intravenously. The recommended dosage and duration of therapy depend on the severity of the infection and the patient's clinical response.

Side Effects

Common side effects of lefamulin acetate include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and insomnia. Serious side effects may include QT interval prolongation, Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea, and hypersensitivity reactions.

Development and Approval

Lefamulin acetate was developed by Nabriva Therapeutics and received approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in August 2019. It is the first pleuromutilin antibiotic to be approved for systemic use in humans.

See Also

• Pleuromutilin
• Community-acquired bacterial pneumonia
• Nabriva Therapeutics
• Food and Drug Administration