FDA approves new treatment for bacterial infections

NEW YORK The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new treatment for bacterial infections made by Forest Labs, Forest said.

The drug maker announced the approval of Teflaro (ceftaroline fosamil) for the treatment of community-acquired bacterial pneumonia and acute bacterial skin and skin structure infection, also known as ABSSSI, caused by bacteria that include methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureaus.

“Forest recognizes the enormous burden of disease associated with community-acquired bacterial pneumonia and [ABSSSI], and we are extremely pleased to see that our first product in this category has obtained approval for both of these disease indications,” said Dirk Thye, president of Forest subsidiary Cerexa.

Forest said it plans to make Teflaro available to wholesalers by January.