Ramoplanin

Ramoplanin is a lipoglycodepsipeptide antibiotic that is produced by the bacterium Actinoplanes sp. ATCC 33076. It is a potent inhibitor of bacterial cell wall synthesis and has been investigated for the treatment of Clostridium difficile infection and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections.

History

Ramoplanin was first isolated in 1984 from the fermentation broth of Actinoplanes sp. ATCC 33076. The compound was named after the RAmo group of the SAnofi pharmaceutical company, which discovered it.

Mechanism of action

Ramoplanin inhibits the final stages of peptidoglycan synthesis, which is essential for bacterial cell wall formation. It binds to the lipid intermediate Lipid II, preventing the transglycosylation and transpeptidation steps in peptidoglycan synthesis. This results in the inhibition of bacterial cell wall synthesis and ultimately leads to cell death.

Clinical use

Ramoplanin has been investigated for the treatment of infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria, including MRSA and C. difficile. It is not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and is therefore used for the treatment of gastrointestinal infections.

Resistance

Resistance to ramoplanin is rare. The main mechanism of resistance is the modification of the target Lipid II, which reduces the binding affinity of ramoplanin.

Safety and side effects

The most common side effects of ramoplanin are gastrointestinal disturbances, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Rare side effects include allergic reactions and changes in liver function tests.

See also

• List of antibiotics
• Antibiotic resistance
• Peptidoglycan

This article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by registering to expand it. Editing is available only to registered and verified users. WikiMD is a comprehensive, free health & wellness encyclopedia.