Avibactam is a novel investigational non-beta-lactam beta-lactamase inhibitor that is being developed for possible use in combination with ceftaroline in the U.S. Avibactam does not have any intrinsic antibacterial activity in its own right, but appears to be capable of inhibiting beta-lactamase enzymes that belong to molecular classes A
and C.

Beta-lactamases are enzymes that are produced by bacteria and are responsible for conferring resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics by breaking open the beta-lactam ring and destroying the molecule’s antibacterial properties. Avibactam is being evaluated in combination with ceftaroline to assess whether it enhances its spectrum of antibacterial activity against gram-negative bacteria that produce both class A and C enzymes. Although ceftaroline is active against many gram-negative bacteria, it is inactive against strains that produce extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs).

We are also co-developing a ceftazidime/avibactam combination. We are currently conducting research on whether such a combination is effective to treat certain types of hospital infections caused by gram-negative bacteria.