Developments in quinolones. Bacteriology, pharmacokinetics and initial clinical experience of several investigational quinolone derivatives.

The properties of several new, investigational quinolones are reviewed. Desirable characteristics of new quinolones are improved activity against especially Gram-positive bacteria, longer elimination half-life, slower development of resistance, fewer side effects etc. Fleroxacin and lomefloxacin have entered phase III trials: their main advantage lies in improved pharmacokinetics. AM-1091, AT-4140 and T-3262 are still in early phases of development and show improved activity against Gram-positive bacteria. They also show a reduced penetration of the blood-brain barrier, probably resulting in fewer side effects in the central nervous system. AM-1091 shows incomplete cross-resistance with ciprofloxacin.