NIH awards $4.9 million for study of polymyxin B treatment

The National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases has awarded nearly $4.9 million in funding toward the development of optimal polymyxin B treatments in critically ill patients, according to a press release.

Led by Infectious Disease News Editorial Board member Keith S. Kaye, MD, MPH, researchers from Wayne State University School of Medicine, the Sinai Grace Hospital at Detroit Medical Center, the University of North Carolina and Monash University, Australia, will work with gram-negative bacteria susceptible only to polymyxin B. Their goal is to define optimal dosage regimens to minimize the effect of nephrotoxicity, while developing a therapeutic drug monitoring system to assist physicians giving the treatment.

“Patients being treated with intravenous polymyxin B will be identified, and will have blood collected at various times surrounding a dose of polymyxin B between days 1 and 5 of therapy,” Kaye said in the press release. “Development of nephrotoxicity, clinical response and bacteriological response will be examined. Total and free plasma concentrations of polymyxin B will be determined, and bacterial isolates will be examined for the reemergence of polymyxin resistance.”

Keith S. Kaye

Guidance on optimal polymyxin B dosage has been lacking since the drug’s release in the 1950s, according to the release. Along with maximizing patient outcomes, this research would provide more data on reducing the emergence of resistance to the antibiotic.

“Our study will provide urgently needed information to guide clinicians in the proper intravenous dosing of polymyxin B in critically-ill patients,” Kaye said. “It is critical to have these dosing guides to assure that this agent of last resort is preserved and that these superbugs do not become resistant to it. These guides will aid in minimizing unnecessary toxic side effects of the drug.”

Disclosure: Kaye reports no relevant financial disclosures.