Dalbavancin: a novel antimicrobial

The increasing incidence of serious infections because of Gram-positive pathogens and the rising cost in parenteral administration of antimicrobials has inspired the development of a novel antibiotic. Dalbavancin is the first once a week antibiotic with activity against a broad range of Gram-positive pathogens. A large multicentre, pivotal, Phase III clinical trial, which included 854 patients with complicated skin and skin structure infections, compared 1-2 doses of dalbavancin vs. linezolid. The results demonstrated non-inferiority and a comparable safety profile. With its unique pharmacokinetic profile, ease of use and excellent safety profile, dalbavancin should provide a valuable addition to the armamentarium used to treat infections because of Gram-positive cocci.