gepotidacin

Gepotidacin is a first-in-class, bactericidal triazaacenaphthylene antibiotic developed by GSK. It acts via a novel mechanism of action, inhibiting bacterial DNA replication by binding to unique sites on two essential type II topoisomerase enzymes—DNA gyrase (GyrA subunit) and topoisomerase IV (ParC subunit). This dual targeting impairs bacterial replication and transcription, providing potent activity against common uropathogens such as Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus saprophyticus, as well as Neisseria gonorrhoeae—including strains resistant to current antibiotics. Gepotidacin’s distinct mechanism reduces the likelihood of resistance development because mutations in both enzyme targets are required for significant loss of efficacy. The drug is orally administered and was approved by the US FDA in March 2025 for the treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infections (uUTIs) in female adults and pediatric patients aged 12 years or older. Gepotidacin has also demonstrated efficacy in phase III trials for uncomplicated urogenital gonorrhea[1][4][7].

Brand names

Blujepa

Other names

gepotidacin