Important new therapies for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Introduction: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections represent a leading cause of infection-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. There has been a welcome increase in the number of agents available for the treatment of MRSA infection over the last decade and several clinical trials are currently investigating the role of new experimental strategies. Areas covered: The purpose of this manuscript is to review the efficacy and safety of recently approved anti-MRSA molecules as well as some newer agents currently under investigation with a specific focus on the potential role of these drugs in everyday clinical practice. Expert opinion: Many new drugs with an activity against MRSA have been recently approved or are in an advanced stage of development. All these compounds represent promising options to enhance our antibiotic armamentarium. However, data regarding the use of these new compounds in real-life terms are limited and their best placement in therapy and in terms of optimization of medical resources and balance of cost-effectiveness requires further investigation.