New Antibiotic FDA-Approved For Life-Threatening Infections

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved the use of the new antibiotic, ceftolozane plus tazobactam (Zerbaxa), to help treat adults with complicated intra-abdominal infections and urinary tract infections.

The product received recognition after it was given Qualified Infections Disease Product status by the FDA for serious or threatening medical issues and how the agency's drive to increase antibacterial and antibiotic options for patients, according to the Pharmaceutical Journal. 

Zerbaxa combines ceftolozane, a cephalosporin antibacterial drug, and tazobactam, a beta-lactamase inhibitor.

"We are very pleased to arm physicians with Zerbaxa in the battle against Gram-negative bacteria, where few treatment options exist. The approval...demonstrates the agency's commitment to make available new antibiotics that address this serious public health threat," said Robert J Perez, the company's president and chief operating officer, in a news release. 

The drug works as a neuraminidase inhibitor, such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza.) However, what makes it different is that instead of being given as a shot, zanamivir is inhaled.

As it stands, the drug is currently available in the United Kingdom (UK) and the European Union (EU).