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CXA-201 and metronidazole
CXA-201 is a non-absorbed topical antibiotic that works synergistically with metronidazole to treat bacterial infections, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract or as a topical agent.
CXA-201 is a non-absorbed topical antibiotic that works synergistically with metronidazole to treat bacterial infections, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract or as a topical agent. Used for Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI), Polymicrobial intra-abdominal infections.
At a glance
| Generic name | CXA-201 and metronidazole |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Cubist Pharmaceuticals LLC, a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc. (Rahway, New Jersey USA) |
| Drug class | Rifamycin antibiotic (CXA-201) combined with nitroimidazole antibiotic (metronidazole) |
| Target | Bacterial RNA polymerase (CXA-201); DNA/RNA synthesis in anaerobic organisms (metronidazole) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Infectious Disease |
| Phase | Phase 3 |
Mechanism of action
CXA-201 is a rifamycin-class antibiotic designed for local activity without systemic absorption. When combined with metronidazole, a nitroimidazole antibiotic effective against anaerobic bacteria and protozoa, the two agents provide broad-spectrum coverage against polymicrobial infections. This combination targets complementary bacterial populations to enhance therapeutic efficacy.
Approved indications
- Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI)
- Polymicrobial intra-abdominal infections
Common side effects
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Metallic taste (metronidazole)
Key clinical trials
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 |
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