Pivmelam

Pivmelam is a small molecule beta-lactam antibiotic containing pivmecillinam hydrochloride, specifically developed and marketed by Apogepha for the treatment of acute uncomplicated urinary tract infections, such as cystitis. As an oral prodrug of mecillinam (amdinocillin), it is highly active against gram-negative bacteria, particularly *Escherichia coli*. Its mechanism of action is distinct from most other beta-lactams as it selectively binds to penicillin-binding protein 2 (PBP-2), rather than PBP-1 or PBP-3. This binding interferes with bacterial cell wall synthesis, leading to the formation of spherical cells and eventual bacterial lysis. Pivmelam was introduced to the German market in 2018 and is available as 200 mg and 400 mg film-coated tablets.

Brand names

Pivmelam

Other names

pivmecillinam hydrochloridePivmecillinamhydrochlorid