Rifabutin (Rfb) is a bactericidal antibiotic drug primarily used in the treatment of tuberculosis. The drug is a semi-synthetic derivative of rifamycin S. Its effect is based on blocking the DNA-dependent RNA-polymerase of the bacteria. It is effective against Gram-positive and some Gram-negative bacteria, but also against the highly resistant Mycobacteria, e.g. Mycobacterium tuberculosis, M. leprae and M. avium intracellulare.
Scientists at the ...
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Rifabutin (Rfb) is a bactericidal antibiotic drug primarily used in the treatment of tuberculosis. The drug is a semi-synthetic derivative of rifamycin S. Its effect is based on blocking the DNA-dependent RNA-polymerase of the bacteria. It is effective against Gram-positive and some Gram-negative bacteria, but also against the highly resistant Mycobacteria, e.g. Mycobacterium tuberculosis, M. leprae and M. avium intracellulare.
Scientists at the Italian drug company Achifar discovered rifabutin in 1975. Eventually Archifar became part of Farmitalia Carlo Erba, a unit of the conglomerate Montedison. This company's Adria Laboratories subsidiary filed for Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of rifabutin under the brand name Mycobutin in the early 1990s and the drug gained FDA approval in December 1992.
Rifabutin is now recommended as first-line treatment for tuberculosis. Rifampicin is more widely used because of its cheaper cost.
Rifabutin is used in the treatment of...
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