ciprofloxacin (Paradigm Biopharmaceuticals)

Ciprofloxacin (specifically Aradigm's inhaled formulations Lipoquin and Pulmaquin) is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic developed for the treatment of chronic lung infections, particularly *Pseudomonas aeruginosa* in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFB). Lipoquin (ARD-3100) is a liposomal formulation designed for sustained release in the lungs, while Pulmaquin (ARD-3150, later known as Linhaliq) is a dual-release formulation containing both liposomal and free ciprofloxacin to provide an immediate peak concentration followed by sustained therapeutic levels. The mechanism of action involves the inhibition of bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, which are essential for DNA replication, transcription, repair, and recombination. Aradigm pursued these formulations to improve local drug concentration and reduce systemic toxicity compared to oral or intravenous administration. Despite reaching Phase 3 clinical trials for bronchiectasis, the development was halted following regulatory setbacks and the subsequent bankruptcy of Aradigm Corporation in 2019.

Brand names

LipoquinPulmaquinLinhaliq

Other names

liposomal ciprofloxacinciprofloxacin for inhalationdual release ciprofloxacin