Last reviewed · How we verify
Semi-Synthetic Penicillin
Semi-synthetic penicillins inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins and blocking peptidoglycan cross-linking.
Semi-synthetic penicillins inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins and blocking peptidoglycan cross-linking. Used for Bacterial infections susceptible to semi-synthetic penicillins (specific agents vary: e.g., ampicillin for gram-positive and some gram-negative infections; amoxicillin for respiratory and urinary tract infections).
At a glance
| Generic name | Semi-Synthetic Penicillin |
|---|---|
| Also known as | SSP, nafcillin, oxacillin, cloxacillin |
| Sponsor | Cubist Pharmaceuticals LLC, a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc. (Rahway, New Jersey USA) |
| Drug class | Beta-lactam antibiotic (semi-synthetic penicillin) |
| Target | Penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs); bacterial cell wall peptidoglycan |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Infectious Disease |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Semi-synthetic penicillins are beta-lactam antibiotics derived from the natural penicillin nucleus with chemical modifications to improve stability, spectrum, or pharmacokinetics. They work by irreversibly inhibiting transpeptidase enzymes that cross-link peptidoglycan strands in the bacterial cell wall, leading to cell wall weakening and bacterial lysis. These modifications allow them to resist certain beta-lactamases and extend activity against gram-negative organisms compared to natural penicillins.
Approved indications
- Bacterial infections susceptible to semi-synthetic penicillins (specific agents vary: e.g., ampicillin for gram-positive and some gram-negative infections; amoxicillin for respiratory and urinary tract infections)
Common side effects
- Hypersensitivity/allergic reaction
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Rash
- Anaphylaxis
Key clinical trials
- DOTS: Dalbavancin as an Option for Treatment of Staphylococcus Aureus Bacteremia (PHASE2)
- Study of Daptomycin Safety and Efficacy for Complicated Skin and Skin Structure Infections (cSSSI) and Bacteremia in Renal Impairment (PHASE4)
- Safety & Efficacy of Daptomycin Versus Standard of Care (SOC) in 1 - 17 Year Olds With Staphylococcus Aureus Bacteremia (MK-3009-005) (PHASE4)
- Study of Daptomycin in Subjects Undergoing Surgery for Osteomyelitis Associated With an Infected Prosthetic Caused by Staphylococci (PHASE2)
- China Registration Study in Patients With Skin Infections (PHASE3)
- Study to Compare Efficacy and Safety of Daptomycin in Elderly Patients With Complicated Skin and Soft Tissue Infections (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: