Carbapenemase Inhibitors: Updates on Developments in 2021

Abstract

Carbapenem resistance, an emerging global health problem, compromises the treatment of infections caused by nosocomial pathogens. Preclinical and clinical trials demonstrate that a new generation of carbapenemases inhibitors, together with the recently approved avi-bactam, relebactam and vaborbactam, would address this resistance. Our review summarizes the latest developments related to carbap-enemase inhibitors synthesized to date, as well as their spectrum of activity and their current stage of development. A particular focus will be on β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combinations that could potentially be used to treat infections caused by carbapenemase-producer pathogens. These new combinations mark a critical step forward the fight against antimicrobial resistance.