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Drs. Elliott and Chan report no financial relationships relevant to this field of study.
The FDA has approved a new combination antibacterial for the treatment of complicated urinary tract infections. The new antibacterial combines meropenem, a synthetic carbapenem available since 1996, and a new beta-lactamase inhibitor called vaborbactam. This is the second new beta-lactamase inhibitor to be approved after avibactam, which is combined with ceftazidime (Avycaz). Meropenem/vaborbactam was designated as a qualified infectious disease product and received a priority review. It is marketed as Vabomere.
INDICATIONS
Meropenem/vaborbactam is indicated for treating patients ≥ 18 years of age with complicated urinary tract infection (cUTI), including pyelonephritis caused by susceptible bacteria from the Enterobacteriaceae family of gram-negative bacteria.1 These include Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Enterobacter cloacae species complex.
DOSAGE
The recommended dose for adults is 4 grams (meropenem 2 grams and vaborbactam 2 grams) administered through an IV infusion (over three hours) every eight hours for up to 14 days.1 The dose should be reduced based on the degree of renal impairment (i.e., estimated glomerular filtration rate). Vabomere is available as 2 gram single-dose vials containing 1 gram each of meropenem and vaborbactam.
POTENTIAL ADVANTAGES
Vaborbactam, similar to avibactam, is a potent inhibitor of...