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Beta-lactam antibiotic
Beta-lactam antibiotics inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins and blocking peptidoglycan cross-linking.
Beta-lactam antibiotics inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins and blocking peptidoglycan cross-linking. Used for Bacterial infections (broad-spectrum depending on specific agent), Community-acquired pneumonia, Urinary tract infections.
At a glance
| Generic name | Beta-lactam antibiotic |
|---|---|
| Also known as | amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, piperacillin-tazobactam, meropenem, β-lactam, Amoxicillin (generic), Cloxacillin (generic), Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (generic), Clamoxyl, Orbenin, Augmentine |
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Ghent |
| Drug class | Beta-lactam antibiotic |
| Target | Penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs); bacterial cell wall peptidoglycan |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Infectious Disease |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Beta-lactams contain a four-membered beta-lactam ring that irreversibly inhibits transpeptidase enzymes responsible for cross-linking peptidoglycan strands in the bacterial cell wall. This disruption weakens the cell wall, leading to bacterial cell lysis and death. The class includes penicillins, cephalosporins, carbapenems, and beta-lactamase inhibitor combinations.
Approved indications
- Bacterial infections (broad-spectrum depending on specific agent)
- Community-acquired pneumonia
- Urinary tract infections
- Skin and soft tissue infections
- Intra-abdominal infections
Common side effects
- Hypersensitivity/allergic reaction
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Rash
- Anaphylaxis
Key clinical trials
- Comparison of Oral Antibiotics For Bone Infections of the Leg and Foot (PHASE4)
- Optimization of Beta-lactam Dosing in Critically Ill Patients With Cystatin C (OPTIMIZE-GNI) (PHASE4)
- Study of 2 Medicines (Aztreonam and Avibactam) Compared to Best Available Therapy for Serious Gram-negative Infections (PHASE2)
- Utility of Single-dose Oral Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Prevention of Surgical Site Infection in Dermatologic Surgery (PHASE4)
- Duration of Cardiac Antimicrobial Prophylaxis Outcomes Study (PHASE4)
- APLAUD Trial (Antibiotics vs PLacebo for Acute Uncomplicated Diverticulitis) (PHASE2)
- Antibiotic Use & Open Fracture of the Lower Extremity (PHASE3)
- Fast Track Therapeutic Model in Acute Complicated Appendicitis in Pediatrics (PHASE4)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Beta-lactam antibiotic CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Beta-lactam antibiotic updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- University Hospital, Ghent portfolio CI