Optimer antibiotic cuts C diff relapse rate

Researchers say that a new antibiotic from Optimer works significantly better than the industry standard vancomycin in combating a relapse of Clostridium difficile. In a 629-patient study investigators report that fidaxomicin reduced the rate of recurrence by 45 percent when compared to vancomycin. Both antibiotics had a similar cure rate, but researchers hailed fidaxomicin's ability to target C diff while leaving healthy bacteria in the gut untouched. "Fidaxomicin does kill the bug, but in terms of recurrence, it doesn't disturb the normal balance of flora in the intestines," said co-author Dr. Sherwood Gorbach. "This drug should actually save lives." Story