Narrow-Spectrum Antibacterial Agents—Benefits and Challenges

Alm, Richard A.; Lahiri, Sushmita D.

The number of antibacterial agents in clinical and preclinical development possessing activity against a narrow spectrum of bacterial pathogens is increasing, with many of them being nontraditional products. The key value proposition hinges on sparing antibiotic use and curtailing the emergence of resistance, as well as preventing the destruction of a beneficial microbiome, versus the immediate need for effective treatment of an active infection with a high risk of mortality. The clinical use of a targeted spectrum agent, most likely in combination with a rapid and robust diagnostic test, is a commendable goal with significant healthcare benefits if executed correctly. However, the path to achieving this will come with several challenges, and many scientific and clinical development disciplines will need to align their efforts to successfully change the treatment paradigm.