Anvisa authorizes new treatment to combat super-resistant bacteria

Pharmaceutical company MSD has launched Recarbrio, a new antibiotic intended for the treatment of hospital-acquired pneumonia caused by gram-negative bacteria in adults.

Recharge

The antibiotic Recarbrio, created by the pharmaceutical company MSD, is a new option for treating hospital-acquired pneumonia, especially those caused by resistant bacteria. It was recently approved by Anvisa and is a medication that should greatly help doctors in treating serious infections in hospitals. Recently approved by the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa), the medication promises to be an important tool for healthcare professionals who deal with serious infections in hospital settings.

Hospital-acquired infections and pneumonia, the leading causes of problems and deaths in hospitalized patients, are usually caused by gram-negative bacteria, which are too resistant to be combated by common antibiotics. Among the most worrisome bacteria are species of Klebsiella, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonaswhich account for 70% of hospital infections. Because they are more resistant, treating these infections is a major challenge and can increase the risk of serious complications.

The WHO recently warned about the global impact of drug resistance and bacterial resistance, calling it one of the biggest threats to public health. In a list released in May, the WHO highlighted 15 bacteria that are dangerous to human health due to antibiotic resistance, with the following gram-negative being considered a critical priority. This highlights the urgency of developing new therapies, such as Recarbrio, to address these infections.

Recarbrio is indicated for the treatment of bacterial pneumonia, it is effective against several resistant bacteria, such as Acinetobacter, Enterobacter, Escherichia coli, Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Its approval was based on results from a phase 3 clinical study, called RESTORE-IMI 2. In a study of 537 patients with hospital-acquired bacterial pneumonia, Recarbrio was shown to be more effective than PIP/TAZ. The mortality rate was 15.9% for those using Recarbrio, versus 21.3% for PIP/TAZ. Early clinical response was also better with Recarbrio (61% versus 55.8%). With this new treatment option, Recharge offers renewed hope for the treatment of severe respiratory infections in hospital settings, reinforcing the fight against bacterial resistance and bringing greater safety to patients and healthcare professionals.

_{Map of hospital infections, 2023 (Graphic: reproduction: Gov.br)}

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Super bacteria

Antimicrobial resistance occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites become immune to medicines, which can make diseases worse and increase the risk of spread and death. In the case of bacteria, this resistance is called antibiotic resistance, and the microorganisms involved are known as “superbugs”. According to the WHO, the incorrect and excessive use of antibiotics by patients is the main cause of this problem.

Featured photo: microscope researching viruses and bacteria (Reproduction: Krisana Pong/detraphiphat/Getty Images Embed)