Ceftobiprole: an update on microbiological activity, clinical efficacy, and safety across diverse patient populations (a literature review)

Abstract

This review presents current data on the microbiological activity, efficacy, and safety of the fifth-generation semisynthetic cephalosporin ceftobiprole in modern clinical practice. While literature reviews on this topic have been previously published, this work is based primarily on new sources published in 2023–2026, including large international studies (SENTRY, CANWARD, CEFTO-CURE, etc.). In vitro studies confirm that ceftobiprole has high activity against pneumococci, Staphylococcus aureus (both oxacillin-sensitive and resistant strains), extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-negative Enterobacterales, susceptible isolates of P. aeruginosa, E. faecalis, and a number of anaerobes. According to the results of randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses, ceftobiprole monotherapy is as effective as combination regimens in various conditions. Ceftobiprole also has predictable pharmacokinetics and a good safety profile, including in obese patients (no dose adjustment required), those with renal insufficiency (with strict adherence to the dosing regimen), children, patients with cystic fibrosis, and those with central nervous system infections. Combinations of ceftobiprole with other antibacterial agents (particularly ampicillin or trimethoprimsulfamethoxazole) have additive or synergistic effects. The presented data confirm that ceftobiprole is a highly effective and safe drug, and new publications significantly expand the evidence base for its use in complex clinical situations.