Towards optimising dosing of the 'old' antibiotic colistin methanesulphonate: enhancing efficacy and reducing resistance [ 2004 - 2006 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Roger Nation (Principal investigator) ,  A/Pr Robert Milne ,  Dr Craig Rayner ,  Kingsley Coulthard ,  Prof Jian Li
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Brief description The global problem of multidrug-resistant bacteria is a major clinical challenge. In cystic fibrosis (CF) patients, the bacteria pseudomonas shows significantly high resistance to the commonly used antibiotics and is a major cause of death. As a consequence, interest in an old antibiotic, colistin, has been rekindled after 40 years on the shelf. The safety of intravenous colistin has been demonstrated in several clinical trials. However, based on our preliminary studies in CF patients, the current dosage regimen where colistin is given three times a day does not achieve high enough concentrations to kill the bacteria. The studies proposed in this project will address the safety, effectivenss and impact on development of resistance of larger doses of intravenous colistin given once or twice daily. We propose that such dosing strategies will yield more effective usage of this promising 'old' antibiotic.

Funding Amount $AUD 266,500.00

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant