Sivextro (tedizolid phosphate) launched in United Kingdom to treat ABSSSI - Merck Inc.

Merck Inc. has launched the first new drug in a class of antibiotics in the UK in almost 15 years. Sivextro (tedizolid phosphate) was approved by the EU and UK regulatory authorities in March 2015 and is the first oral treatment to be released in the oxazolidinone class of antibiotics since 2001. It is approved to treat acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI).

Comment: Sivextro not only provides a new option for patients with serious bacterial skin infections, including those caused by MRSA, but it also gives physicians the flexibility to transition patients from IV to oral treatment as required.The oral option provides opportunity for out-patient care, which could reduce the need for costly hospitalization.