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Retapamulin (Altabax)
Retapamulin inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit, thereby preventing bacterial growth.
Retapamulin inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit, thereby preventing bacterial growth. Used for Impetigo (skin infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes).
At a glance
| Generic name | Retapamulin (Altabax) |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Altabax |
| Sponsor | The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston |
| Drug class | Pleuromutilin antibiotic |
| Target | Bacterial 50S ribosomal subunit |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Infectious Disease / Dermatology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Retapamulin is a pleuromutilin antibiotic that selectively binds to the bacterial 50S ribosomal subunit and inhibits peptide bond formation, blocking protein synthesis. This mechanism is selective for bacteria and has minimal effect on human mitochondrial ribosomes. It is bacteriostatic, stopping bacterial growth rather than directly killing the organisms.
Approved indications
- Impetigo (skin infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes)
Common side effects
- Application site irritation
- Contact dermatitis
- Headache
Key clinical trials
- Treatment of Staphylococcus Aureus Colonization in Hand Eczema (NA)
- Retapamulin as a Decolonizing Agent for MRSA (PHASE3)
- Efficacy Study of Altabax to Clear Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) Nasal Colonization (PHASE4)
- Retapamulin for Reducing MRSA Nasal Carriage (PHASE4)
- Retapamulin Microdialysis Feasibility Study (PHASE1)
- Retapamulin Versus Linezolid in the Treatment of SITL and Impetigo Due to MRSA (PHASE3)
- Treatment of Patients Colonized With Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Prior to Bone and Joint Surgery (PHASE2)
- Topical SB-275833 Ointment, 1% For The Treatment Of Impetigo (PHASE3)
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:
- Retapamulin (Altabax) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Retapamulin (Altabax) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston portfolio CI