Polymyxin B sulfate
[CAS# 1405-20-5]

Identification

• Classification: API >> Antibiotics >> Other antibiotics
• Name: Polymyxin B sulfate
• Synonyms: Aerosporin; N-[3-Amino-1-[[1-[[3-amino-1-[[6,9,18-tris(2-aminoethyl)-15-benzyl-3-(1-hydroxyethyl)-12-(2-methylpropyl)-2,5,8,11,14,17,20-heptaoxo-1,4,7,10,13,16,19-heptazacyclotricos-21-yl]carbamoyl]propyl]carbamoyl]-2-hydroxy-propyl]carbamoyl]propyl]-6-methyl-octanamide sulfuric acid
• Molecular Formula: C₅₆H₉₈N₁₆O₁₃.H₂SO₄
• Molecular Weight: 1301.56
• CAS Registry Number: 1405-20-5
• EC Number: 215-774-7
• SMILES: CCC(C)CCCCC(=O)NC(CCN)C(=O)NC(C(C)O)C(=O)NC(CCN)C(=O)NC1CCNC(=O)C(NC(=O)C(NC(=O)C(NC(=O)C(NC(=O)C(NC(=O)C(NC1=O)CCN)CC2=CC=CC=C2)CC(C)C)CCN)CCN)C(C)O.OS(=O)(=O)O

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS07 Warning
• Risk Statements: H302
• Safety Statements: P264-P270-P301+P317-P330-P501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H302
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H332
Skin sensitization	Skin Sens.	1	H317

Discovery and Applications

Polymyxin B sulfate, a potent antibiotic, was discovered in the 1940s by researchers at the University of Michigan and subsequently developed for clinical use. It is derived from the bacterium Bacillus polymyxa, which produces a group of polypeptide antibiotics known as polymyxins. Polymyxin B was identified as one of the most effective members of this antibiotic group against gram-negative bacteria. Its discovery marked a significant advancement in the treatment of bacterial infections, particularly those caused by multidrug-resistant pathogens.

Polymyxin B sulfate is primarily used for the treatment of infections caused by multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. These bacteria are notorious for their resistance to multiple antibiotics, making polymyxin B a crucial therapeutic option. Polymyxin B is often employed in the management of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) caused by multidrug-resistant gram-negative pathogens. VAP is a serious complication in patients receiving mechanical ventilation, and polymyxin B's activity against these resistant bacteria makes it a valuable choice in the treatment of this life-threatening infection. In cases of complicated urinary tract infections (cUTI) and catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) caused by multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria, polymyxin B sulfate is often considered as a last-line treatment option. Its ability to penetrate the urinary tract and exert bactericidal activity against these pathogens makes it an important therapeutic agent in urological infections. Polymyxin B sulfate is also available in topical formulations for the treatment of skin and soft tissue infections caused by susceptible gram-negative bacteria. It is often combined with other antibiotics, such as bacitracin and neomycin, in over-the-counter ointments and creams for the management of minor wounds, cuts, and abrasions.

References

1991. Fluid replacement protection of rabbits challenged subcutaneous with toxic shock syndrome toxins. Infection and Immunity. P K Lee, J R Deringer, B N Kreiswirth, R P Novick, P M Schlievert.
DOI: 10.1128/iai.59.3.879-884.1991

2024. Rapid quantification of polymyxin B in human pulmonary epithelial lining fluid by LC-MS/MS and its clinical application. Journal of chromatography. B, Analytical technologies in the biomedical and life sciences. Yu Wang, Xiaofen Liu, Yan Chen, Beining Guo, Jiao Liu, Jing Zhang.
DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2024.124332

2024. Spray dried polymyxin B liposome for inhalation against gram-negative bacteria. Pharmaceutical Development and Technology. Thaddeus Harrison Gugu, Emmanuel Maduabuchi Uronnachi, Ekawat Thawithong, Teerapol Srichana.
DOI: 10.1080/10837450.2024.2427186