Highest development stage: Preclinical

Development status: Approved in Japan, off-patent

Gram-positive activity

Gram-negative activity

Mechanism of Action/Target pathogen: This compound demonstrated no activity against staphylococci but ten times more active than cefaclor and cefalexin against Streptococcus pyogenes (1); inhibits cell wall synthesis; binds to penicillin-binding proteins (PBP); active against Gram-positive bacteria and against many Enterobacteriaceae but vulnerable to extended-spectum beta-lactamases (ESBL)

Reason dropped: In preclinical trials on mice, penetration through the blood brain barrier and placenta were low (2)

Additional information: Faoagali JL. The antibiotic susceptibilities of 1659 clinical isolates to RO 15-8074, RO 19-5247 and RO 23-6240. Aust-J-Hosp-Pharm 1989;19214-217; semisynthetic Cephalosporine (cephem), derived from Cephalosporin C. Oral application as prodrug (Cefteram pivoxil)