Formulation-level interaction: colistin–meropenem co-formulated particles

Formulation-level interaction: colistin–meropenem co-formulated particles refers to a pharmaceutical strategy combining two distinct classes of antibiotics into a single delivery system, typically for treating multi-drug resistant (MDR) Gram-negative infections. Colistin, a polymyxin antibiotic, functions by binding to lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and phospholipids in the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, leading to membrane disruption and increased permeability (PubChem CID 5311054). Meropenem, a carbapenem, acts by inhibiting penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), which are essential for bacterial cell wall synthesis (StatPearls, "Meropenem"). By co-formulating these agents into microparticles, researchers aim to achieve synergistic antibacterial effects and improve the pharmacokinetic profile, particularly for pulmonary delivery via inhalation (PubMed, PMID 29445210). This approach is specifically designed to combat highly resistant pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii in clinical settings like cystic fibrosis or ventilator-associated pneumonia (PubMed, PMID 30243509). The formulation ensures simultaneous exposure of the bacteria to both drugs, which can help overcome individual resistance mechanisms and enhance clinical efficacy. This combination is also explored to reduce the required dose of colistin, thereby potentially mitigating its associated systemic toxicities like nephrotoxicity (PubMed, PMID 25208264).

Other names

Colistin-meropenem co-formulationColistin-meropenem co-spray-dried particlesColistin-meropenem dry powder for inhalationColistin-meropenem synergistic combination

Colistin disrupts the bacterial outer membrane by binding to lipopolysaccharides, while meropenem inhibits cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins.