Clavulanic acid, a novel beta-lactamase inhibitor--a case study in drug discovery and development.
The research programme leading to the discovery of clavulanic acid and the olivanic acids (carbapenems) is reviewed. The beta-lactamase inhibitory properties of clavulanic acid and its development as a formulation with amoxycillin (Augmentina) and ticarcillin (Timentin) are described. The chemistry of clavulanic acid as well as the properties of the carbapenem family of antibiotics is outlined as are the other beta-lactamase inhibitors prompted by the development of clavulanic acid.
Brown
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AG
Beecham Pharmaceuticals Research Division, Surrey, U.K.
D002969:Clavulanic Acids / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000494:pharmacology*; D015195:Drug Design; D065093:beta-Lactamase Inhibitors
D002969:Clavulanic Acids; D065093:beta-Lactamase Inhibitors