[New β‑lactam antibiotics and β‑lactamase inhibitors against multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria].

BACKGROUND: The worldwide spread of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (MDR-GN) continues. Treatment options for infections caused by MDR-GN remain scarce and only few new substances are currently in clinical phase II/III studies or have already been granted market approval.
OBJECTIVES: To provide an overview about current data on new β‑lactam antibiotics and β‑lactamase inhibitor combinations, respectively. New macrolides, ketolides and aminoglycosides are not addressed.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Selective literature research regarding published data on ceftazidim/avibactam, ceftolozan/tazobactam, imipenem/cilastatin + relebactam, meropenem/vaborbactam, aztreonam/avibactam and cefiderocol, as well as registered trials.
RESULTS: The development of new antimicrobials for the treatment of MDR-GN infections offers new options for attending physicians. β‑Lactamase producers are inhibited by these new substances, though with varying efficacy; however, there are still no adequate treatment options for metallo-β-lactamase (MBL) producers.
CONCLUSIONS: Clinical data are still indifferent and come from heterogeneous patient collectives. Direct comparisons with established treatment strategies, such as the "last-resort use" of polymyxins are hardly possible. Cases of early development of resistance have already been described. Finally, the importance of toxicity and optimal dosing-in organ failure or organ replacement procedures such as dialysis-remain unclear.