Delafloxacin: A New Anti-methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus Fluoroquinolone

Delafloxacin (ABT 492) is a new fluoroquinolone available in both oral and parenteral formulations. It has recently been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the management of acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections. When compared to combination therapy of vancomycin and aztreonam, delafloxacin was not inferior and had a favorable adverse event profile. Furthermore, its anti-methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) activity and favorable clinical response in MRSA infections distinguishes it from other fluoroquinolones. This review focuses on the mode of action, antimicrobial activity, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, clinical indications, and safety profile of this drug. Considerations for formulary addition and its place in therapy are also discussed.