MedPath

Imipenem

Generic Name
Imipenem
Brand Names
Primaxin, Recarbrio
Drug Type
Small Molecule
Chemical Formula
C12H17N3O4S
CAS Number
64221-86-9
Unique Ingredient Identifier
Q20IM7HE75
Background

Imipenem is a semisynthetic thienamycin that has a wide spectrum of antibacterial activity against gram-negative and gram-positive aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, including many multiresistant strains. It is stable to many beta-lactamases. Similar compounds include meropenem, known for having greater activity against Gram negative bacteria, and the newer ertapenem which exhibits a longer half-life due to increased binding to plasma proteins. Imipenem is commonly used in combination with cilastatin and is now available in a triple-drug product with cilastatin and relebactam which was recently approved by the FDA. Imipenem was first approved by the FDA in November 1985 as the combination product Primaxin marketed by Merck & Co.

Indication

Imipenem is indicated, in combination with cilastatin with or without relebactam, for the treatment of bacterial infections including respiratory, skin, bone, gynecologic, urinary tract, and intra-abdominal as well as septicemia and endocarditis.

Associated Conditions
Bacterial Septicemia, Bone and Joint Infections, Complicated Intra-Abdominal Infections (cIAIs) caused by Gram-negative Bacteria, Complicated Urinary Tract Infection, Complicated Urinary Tract Infection caused by Gram-negative Bacteria, Endocarditis caused by staphylococcus aureus, Gynecological Infection, Intraabdominal Infections, Lower respiratory tract infection bacterial, Nosocomial Pneumonia caused by Gram-negative Bacteria, Pyelonephritis, Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Bacterial Infections, Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections, Ventilator Associated Bacterial Pneumonia caused by Gram-negative Bacteria
Associated Therapies
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nature.com
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Impact of gut colonization by antibiotic-resistant bacteria on post-auto-SCT infection and bacteremia risks

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) colonization significantly increases infection and bacteremia risks post-auto-SCT, with 43% of colonized patients experiencing bacteremia vs. 14% non-colonized. Despite higher infection rates, ARB colonization did not significantly affect overall survival, highlighting the importance of gut microbiota health in post-transplant outcomes.
finance.yahoo.com
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Spero’s stock slides after antibiotic flops in Phase II trial

Spero Therapeutics halted SPR720 development after Phase IIa trial failure in NTM-PD patients, showing no significant antimicrobial effect over placebo. The company plans layoffs and to focus resources on tebipenem HBr and SPR206 programs. Spero's stock dropped over 17% post-announcement, despite having cash reserves until mid-2026.

Orlynvah, A New Oral Antibiotic for UTIs

Orlynvah, combining sulopenem and probenecid, was approved for uncomplicated female UTIs, showing similar efficacy to ciprofloxacin but better in ciprofloxacin-resistant cases. Dosed twice daily for 5 days, it has side effects like diarrhea and nausea. Its high cost and lack in standard sensitivity reports may limit use to multidrug-resistant cases.
contagionlive.com
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What's New In 2024: From the CLSI Subcommittee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing

CLSI Subcommittee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing introduced changes including breakpoint revisions and new breakpoints in 2024. Phenotypic criteria for carbapenemase testing among Enterobacterales were updated to improve clinical care. Investigational breakpoints for cefepime and zidebactam were proposed for carbapenem-resistant pathogens. Breakpoints for Acinetobacter baumannii were also updated, focusing on ampicillin/sulbactam and minocycline.
m.economictimes.com
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Sustained rise in antimicrobial resistance in India: ICMR study

ICMR study finds Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter baumannii, leading causes of bloodstream infections, are resistant to imipenem among ICU patients. Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecium also show resistance to oxacillin and vancomycin, respectively. Acinetobacter spp is the most common pathogen for ventilator-associated pneumonia. High resistance rates are observed in E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae for carbapenem, fluoroquinolones, and third-generation cephalosporins.
archbiopartners.com
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Arch Biopartners Advances LSALT Peptide and Cilastatin to Prevent Acute Kidney Injury

Arch Biopartners is advancing LSALT peptide and Cilastatin to prevent acute kidney injury (AKI), targeting inflammation and toxin-related causes. LSALT peptide is in Phase II trials for cardiac surgery-associated AKI, with potential applications in lung and liver inflammation. Cilastatin, repurposed for toxin-related AKI, is also in development. Both aim to address a critical unmet medical need affecting millions annually.
frontiersin.org
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Colonization With Multidrug-Resistant Organisms Among Healthy Adults in Taiwan

The study found a 41.4% colonization rate of 3GC-R Enterobacteriaceae among healthy adults in Taiwan, with no CRE or VRE colonization noted. Gut microbiota analysis showed increased Enterobacteriaceae in 3GC-R carriers. Factors like antibiotic use and travel to Southeast Asia were linked to higher colonization rates.
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