Preface Free

There is an increasing need for novel agents that might have clinical application in the treatment of community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP).

Lefamulin is a novel semisynthetic antimicrobial agent of the pleuromutilin class. It has a unique mechanism of action with activity against a range of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae. It is being developed for oral and intravenous use in the treatment of CABP.

In the development of novel agents, the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of the agent need to be well characterized to help understand how these agents should be optimally dosed. The purpose of the articles in this Supplement is to further describe some of these properties of this novel antibiotic. In addition, the pharmacodynamics has been studied in a neutropenic murine thigh-infection model. The neutropenic murine thigh-infection studies are important for defining the in vivo post-antibiotic effect (PAE). There is also information on the pharmacokinetics, tissue penetration and tolerability, which will help to establish optimal oral and intravenous dosing.

These studies together will help to guide the clinical use of lefamulin in the treatment of conditions such as CABP.

James C. Hurley

Luis Ostrosky-Zeichner

Monica Slavin

Transparency declarations

L. O.-Z. has received consulting honoraria from Nabriva. J. H. and M. S. have none to declare.