What is Daptomycin?
Daptomycin is a novel lipopeptide antibiotic used in
the treatment of certain infections caused by
Gram-positive organisms. It is a naturally occurring
compound found in the soil saprotroph Streptomyces
roseosporus. Its distinct mechanism of action means that
it may be useful in treating infections caused by
multi-resistant bacteria. It is marketed in the United
States under the trade name Cubicin (Cubist
Pharmaceuticals).
Mechanism of action
Daptomycin has a distinct mechanism of action,
disrupting multiple aspects of bacterial cell membrane
function. It appears to bind to the membrane and cause
rapid depolarization, resulting in a loss of membrane
potential leading to inhibition of protein, DNA and RNA
synthesis, which results in bacterial cell death.
Microbiology
Daptomycin is active against Gram-positive bacteria
only. It has proven in vitro activity against
enterococci (including glycopeptide-resistant
Enterococci (GRE)), staphylococci (including methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus), streptococci and corynebacteria.
Chemical Structure
Molecular Formula C72H101N17O26
