Drug Overview
Invanz (ertapenem; Merck & Co) is a carbapenem antibacterial agent that inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis through binding to penicillin-binding proteins. The drug inhibits the crosslinking of peptidoglycan strands that are required for the formation of the bacterial cell wall. Invanz has demonstrated in vitro activity against a range of Gram-positive bacterial strains including methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. Its spectrum of activity also includes some Gram-negative and anaerobic bacterial strains. Invanz’s wide spectrum of activity stems from its high stability against a wide range of beta-lactamases including extended-spectrum, and AmpC beta-lactamases. However, the drug has a more limited activity than older carbapenems on some clinically significant bacterial strains including Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterococcus strains.
Analyst Outlook
Invanz (ertapenem; Merck & Co) exhibits a more limited antibacterial spectrum than older members of the carbapenem class. Most noticeable is its lack of efficacy against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which have particular high clinical significance in some of the more severe cases of CAP. Datamonitor Healthcare believes that Invanz’s limited efficacy against such bacterial strains will continue to limit its share in the CAP market, as it diminishes its competitiveness against earlier members of the carbapenem class, as well as other types of antibacterial agents.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
4 PRODUCT PROFILES
4 Invanz : Community-acquired pneumonia
13 Invanz : Skin and skin structure infections
LIST OF FIGURES
7 Figure 1: Invanz for community-acquired pneumonia – SWOT analysis
8 Figure 2: Datamonitor Healthcare’s drug assessment summary of Invanz in community-
acquired pneumonia
9 Figure 3: Datamonitor Healthcare’s drug assessment summary for Invanz in community-
acquired pneumonia
17 Figure 4: Invanz – SWOT analysis in cSSSI
18 Figure 5: Datamonitor Healthcare’s drug assessment summary of Invanz in cSSSI
19 Figure 6: Datamonitor Healthcare’s drug assessment summary for Invanz in cSSSI
LIST OF TABLES
4 Table 1: Invanz drug profile
6 Table 2: Overview of pivotal trial data for Invanz in community-acquired pneumonia
13 Table 3: Invanz’s drug profile in cSSSI
15 Table 4: Overview of pivotal trial data for Invanz in cSSSI