MOA & PHARMACOLOGY

 

Mechanism of action (MOA) of oral UTEBZI

UTEBZI Mechanism of Action image

The proven MOA of a carbapenem1

Tebipenem pivoxil is converted to the pharmacologically active moiety, tebipenem, by hydrolysis in gastric/intestinal fluid and/or enterocytes by intestinal esterases1


  • The bactericidal action of tebipenem is mediated through binding to essential PBPs1*
  • Inhibition of PBPs prevents cross-linkage between peptidoglycan strands, leading to cell wall weakening, lysis, and death1,2
  • UTEBZI has been shown to be active against most isolates of the following bacteria, both in vitro and in clinical infections: E. coli, E. cloacae species complex, K. oxytoca, K. pneumoniae, and E. faecalis1
  • Tebipenem is a carbapenem antibacterial drug with in vitro activity against certain gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria1
  • *

    In E. coli and K. pneumoniae, tebipenem has affinity for PBPs 1a, 1b, 2, 3, 4, and 5/6, with preferential binding to PBP 2.1

  • E. cloacae=Enterobacter cloacae; E. coli=Escherichia coli; E. faecalis=Enterococcus faecalis; K. oxytoca=Klebsiella oxytoca; K. pneumoniae=Klebsiella pneumoniae; MOA=mechanism of action.

In vitro data1

 

The clinical significance of the following in vitro data is unknown

 

≥90% of the following aerobic bacteria exhibit in vitro minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) less than or equal to the susceptible breakpoint for tebipenem against isolates of similar genus or organism group. However, the efficacy of UTEBZI in treating clinical infections caused by these bacteria has not been established in adequate and well-controlled clinical trials.1

Gram-negative bacteria

  • Citrobacter freundii complex
  • Citrobacter koseri
  • Klebsiella aerogenes
  • Morganella morganii
  • Proteus mirabilis
  • Providencia rettgeri
  • Klebsiella variicola
  • Serratia marcescens

Gram-positive bacteria

  • Staphylococcus aureus
  • Staphylococcus saprophyticus
  • Streptococcus agalactiae

Learn about the pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of UTEBZI.

Indication & Important Safety Info

Indication

Important Safety Information

Indication

UTEBZI is indicated for the treatment of adults with complicated urinary tract infections (cUTI), including pyelonephritis, caused by the following susceptible microorganisms: Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter cloacae species complex, Klebsiella oxytoca, and Enterococcus faecalis, who have limited or no alternative oral treatment options.

Usage to Reduce Development of Drug-Resistant Bacteria

To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain effectiveness of UTEBZI and other antibacterial drugs, UTEBZI should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria.

Important Safety Information

CONTRAINDICATIONS

UTEBZI is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to UTEBZI or other beta-lactam drugs.

UTEBZI is contraindicated in patients with primary or secondary carnitine deficiency or inborn errors of metabolism that may result in clinically significant carnitine deficiency.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Hypersensitivity Reactions

  • Serious and occasionally fatal hypersensitivity (anaphylactic) reactions have been reported in patients receiving beta-lactam and carbapenem drugs. Before initiating UTEBZI, assess patients for previous hypersensitivity to carbapenems, penicillins, cephalosporins or other beta-lactams. If an allergic reaction to UTEBZI occurs, discontinue, and institute appropriate supportive measures.

Seizures and Other Central Nervous Systems (CNS) Adverse Reactions

  • Seizures and other CNS adverse reactions have been reported in patients receiving therapy with beta-lactam and carbapenem drugs, including UTEBZI. These reactions occurred most commonly in patients with CNS disorders and/or compromised renal function. Monitor patients at risk for convulsive activity. If CNS adverse reactions including seizures occur, evaluate neurologically to determine whether UTEBZI should be discontinued.

Interactions with Valproic Acid

  • Concomitant use of carbapenems, including UTEBZI, with valproic acid or divalproex sodium may reduce the plasma concentration of valproic acid, potentially increasing the risk of breakthrough seizures. Avoid concomitant use of UTEBZI with valproic acid or divalproex sodium.

Carnitine Depletion

  • Clinical manifestations of carnitine deficiency may occur with pivalate-containing compounds, including UTEBZI. UTEBZI is contraindicated in patients with primary and secondary carnitine deficiency or inborn errors of metabolism that may result in clinically significant carnitine deficiency. Do not use UTEBZI beyond the recommended treatment duration. Consider alternative antibacterial therapy in patients at risk for reductions in serum carnitine (eg, patients with significant renal impairment or decreased muscle mass). Concomitant use with valproic acid, valproate, or other pivalate-generating drugs is generally not recommended due to the increased risk of carnitine depletion.

Clostridioides difficile Infection (CDI)

  • Clostridioides difficile infection has been reported with nearly all systemic antibacterial agents, including UTEBZI and may range in severity from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis. CDI is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Evaluate patients if diarrhea occurs. Careful medical history is necessary since CDI has been reported to occur over 2 months after the administration of antibacterials. Consider discontinuation of ongoing antibacterials if CDI is suspected or confirmed.

Interference with Newborn Screening Test

  • Treatment of a pregnant individual with UTEBZI prior to delivery may cause a false positive test for isovaleric acidemia in newborn screening. Prompt follow-up of a positive result is recommended.

Development of Drug-Resistant Bacteria

  • Prescribing UTEBZI in the absence of a proven or strongly suspected bacterial infection or a prophylactic indication is unlikely to provide benefit and increases the risk of the development of drug-resistant bacteria.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

  • The most common adverse reactions occurring in ≥1% of patients are diarrhea, headache, nausea, abdominal pain, hepatic enzyme increased, and Clostridioides difficile infection.

DRUG INTERACTIONS

  • Organic anion transporter 1 (OAT1) and OAT3 inhibitors: Concomitant use is generally not recommended due to increased tebipenem plasma concentrations. If concomitant use is necessary, monitor more frequently for adverse reactions associated with UTEBZI.
  • Valproic acid and divalproex sodium: Avoid concomitant use as it may reduce valproic acid plasma concentrations, increasing the risk of breakthrough seizures. If concomitant use is necessary, monitoring of valproic acid serum concentrations is recommended and consider supplemental anticonvulsant therapy.
  • Other pivalate-generating drugs: Concomitant use is generally not recommended due to decreased carnitine plasma concentrations which may increase the risk of carnitine depletion-associated adverse reactions. If concomitant use is necessary, counsel patients to monitor adverse reactions associated with carnitine depletion.
  • Treatment of a pregnant individual with UTEBZI prior to delivery may cause a false positive test for isovaleric acidemia in the newborn as part of newborn screening. Prompt follow-up of a positive result is recommended.

USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

  • Pregnancy: There are insufficient data on the use of UTEBZI in pregnant women. There is a pregnancy safety study for UTEBZI. Healthcare providers or patients may report UTEBZI exposure while pregnant by contacting GSK at 1-888-825-5249. Treatment of a pregnant individual with UTEBZI prior to delivery may cause a false positive test for isovaleric acidemia in the newborn as part of newborn screening.
  • Renal Impairment: Tebipenem plasma concentrations increase with decreasing renal function. Dosage adjustments for UTEBZI are recommended for patients with renal impairment (eGFR 15 mL/min to < 60 mL/min). Use in adults with eGFR >150 mL/min is not recommended because it is predicted to decrease tebipenem exposure, which may reduce UTEBZI efficacy. If use is necessary, monitor clinical response closely and counsel patients to promptly report lack of improvement or worsening of their condition.

Please see full Prescribing Information, including Patient Information, for UTEBZI.

To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact GSK at gsk.public.reportum.com or 1-888-825-5249, or
FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

References

  1. UTEBZI (tebipenem pivoxil) tablets. Prescribing Information. GSK; 2026.

  2. Jain A, Utley L, Parr TR, Zabawa T, Pucci MJ. Tebipenem, the first oral carbapenem antibiotic. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther. 2018;16(7):513-522.