Prioritize Children When Developing Antibacterial Agents

There is a significant lag time before determining the appropriate dosing regimen for new antibacterial agents given to children.

Of the 24 approved antimicrobials, 20 were for use in adults alone for indications that included acute bacterial skin infections and community-acquired pneumonia. Of those 20, six were approved and labeled for patients younger than 18 years old, with the period of approval for adults and children ranging from 20 to 195 months. In addition, 11 of the 14 that have not been labeled for children have yet to complete PREA requirements.