The reason that our article is highly cited is probably because it contains extensive characterization of the antibacterial spectrum of a new quinolone—garenoxacin, which represents the next generation compound within this drug class. Garenoxacin is currently under clinical development and is potent against many bacterial groups, i.e., streptococcus pneumoniae, anaerobic bacteria, atypical organisms, and others.

This paper does describe a novel quinolone that is active against bacterial strains such as streptococcus pneumoniae that may be resistant to other members of this class of drug.

With the increase in bacterial drug resistance, there is a need for new antibacterial agents. Members of the quinolone class are attractive antibacterial drugs because they can kill many different kinds of bacteria very quickly. Many of the quinolones also can be administered both orally and intravenously. Members of this class can differ in their range of bacterial coverage. Garenoxacin can kill most bacteria that cause community-acquired and hospital-acquired infections. This paper profiles the antibacterial spectrum of this new quinolone.

Joan Fung-Tomc, Ph.D.,
Director of Regulatory Science
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.