Daptomyclin: A novel lipopeptide antibiotic for the treatment of resistant gram-positive infections

The continuing rise of resistance rates among bacteria today has led to the heed for the development of new antibiotics with the ability to circumvent current resistance mechanisms. Daptomycin (Cubicin, Cubist Pharmaceuticals) is an injectable novel lipopeptide antibiotic shown to have excellent in vitro bactericidal activity against gram-positive organisms, including resistant isolates, First in the new class of lipopeptide antibiotics, daptomycin possesses a unique mechanism of action. Clinical studies in patients with complicated skin and skin structure infections have shown daptomycin to be similar in clinical cure rates compared to standard therapy. Daptomycin was recently approved by FDA for the treatment of complicated skin and skin structure infections caused by susceptible strains of specific gram-positive. microorganisms. Daptomycin may offer an alternative in the treatment of gram-positive infections, especially when resistance is suspected.