Shionogis’ Fetcroja (cefiderocol) in the end of April 2020 received European Commission (EC) marketing authorisation for the treatment of infections due to aerobic Gram-negative bacteria in adults with limited treatment options.
Mark D Hill, Senior Vice President Shionogi & Co. told Pharmaceutical Daily that, in the EU, Shionogi is building quickly its commercial and supply infrastructure to ensure Fetcroja is available to all patients who need it as soon as possible, and expect first commercial launches within the coming weeks.
Hill noted that bacterial superinfection of a viral pneumonitis is a significant cause of mortality and morbidity in patients, including those with SARS-Cov-2.
“It is relatively common practice for clinicians to prescribe prophylactic antibiotics, that have coverage particularly for gram positive infections eg ceftriaxone, which are more common in these cases. Fetcroja may have an important role in those patients where the bacterial pathogen requires this therapy, however it is important to note that Fetcroja does not cover gram positive pathogens,” said Hill