Lipopeptide Antibiotics
11 compounds in this family, each with its recorded mechanism, routes of administration, safety notes and references to published literature.
- AmphomycinAmphomycin is a calcium‑dependent cyclic lipopeptide antibiotic originally isolated from Streptomyces species. It is employed mainly as a topical antibacterial in veterinary practice and as a research tool to probe bacterial cell‑wall synthesis and lipid‑linked oligosaccharide pathways. The compound belongs to the amphomycin family of lipopeptides and is investigated for its ability to inhibit the essential membrane enzyme MraY, which catalyzes the first step of peptidoglycan assembly.
- Arylomycin A2Arylomycin A2 is a lipopeptide antibiotic of the arylomycin family that has been synthesized and studied as an investigational agent. It targets the essential bacterial type I signal peptidase (SPase I), a membrane‑bound enzyme required for processing secreted proteins. Laboratory studies show activity against several Gram‑positive pathogens, including Staphylococcus epidermidis, and a broader spectrum than initially recognized. The compound is currently in pre‑clinical research and is administered by injection.
- BulevirtideBulevirtide (BLV, Hepcludex) is a first‑in‑class lipopeptide that blocks hepatitis D virus (HDV) entry into liver cells. It is approved in the European Union for chronic hepatitis D (CHD) in adults with compensated liver disease and is administered by subcutaneous injection. Clinical trials have examined both monotherapy and combination with pegylated interferon‑alpha, showing virologic and biochemical improvements over 48‑ to 96‑week treatment periods.
- ColistinColistin (polymyxin E) is a cyclic lipopeptide antibiotic approved for prescription use as a last‑line treatment against serious infections caused by multidrug‑resistant Gram‑negative bacteria. It is employed when other agents, including carbapenems, fail, and is administered by intravenous, intramuscular, inhalation, oral or topical routes. Growing worldwide resistance, especially plasmid‑borne mcr genes, has raised concerns about its continued efficacy.
- DaptomycinDaptomycin is a cyclic lipopeptide antibiotic administered intravenously for serious Gram‑positive infections. It is approved for use in conditions such as methicillin‑resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteremia, vancomycin‑resistant Enterococcus (VRE) bloodstream infections, and other difficult‑to‑treat Gram‑positive infections.
- Malacidin AMalacidin A is a newly identified calcium‑dependent lipopeptide antibiotic belonging to the CDAs (calcium‑dependent antibiotics) family. Discovered in soil metagenomes, it shows strong in‑vitro activity against Gram‑positive bacteria, including strains resistant to existing drugs. Current work focuses on laboratory synthesis and early‑stage antimicrobial testing rather than clinical development.
- Malacidin BMalacidin B is a calcium‑dependent lipopeptide antibiotic isolated from soil actinomycetes, showing potent activity against Gram‑positive pathogens including MRSA in pre‑clinical studies.
- MALP-2MALP-2 (macrophage‑activating lipopeptide‑2) is a diacylated lipopeptide isolated from the bacterium Mycoplasma fermentans. By binding the Toll‑like receptor 2/6 heterodimer it triggers macrophage and dendritic‑cell activation, cytokine release and nitric‑oxide production. Preclinical work shows it can boost vaccine responses, accelerate wound and bone repair, and modulate tumor and lung inflammation. Human data are limited to a small phase‑I safety study. Consequently, MALP-2 is currently a research‑only immunomodulatory compound.
- MifamurtideMifamurtide (liposomal muramyl tripeptide phosphatidyl‑ethanolamine, brand name Mepact) is an immunomodulatory agent approved in Europe for use after surgical resection of high‑grade, resectable osteosarcoma. It is administered intravenously alongside standard multi‑agent chemotherapy to stimulate the innate immune system and improve survival outcomes in children, adolescents and young adults with this bone sarcoma.
- Pam2csk4Pam2CSK4 (also called Dipalmitoyl‑CSK4) is a synthetic di‑acylated lipopeptide that selectively activates the Toll‑like receptor 2/6 (TLR2/6) heterodimer. In research it is employed as an immune‑stimulating agent and vaccine adjuvant, administered by routes such as intranasal, intraperitoneal, subcutaneous or topical application. Studies show it can boost antibody production, promote Th1‑type cellular responses, and influence epithelial and dendritic cell signaling pathways.
- SurotomycinSurotomycin is an investigational cyclic lipopeptide antibiotic administered orally for the treatment of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI). Developed to target C. difficile while sparing the broader gut microbiota, it aims to reduce disease recurrence and preserve microbial diversity in patients with acute CDI.