The Antimicrobial Optimisation Group is proud to celebrate a significant research achievement by PhD student Zenaw Tessema Wolie, whose latest publication explores new approaches to optimising intravenous (IV) amoxicillin for Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy (OPAT).
As part of his doctoral research, Zenaw investigated two important questions aimed at improving the delivery of IV amoxicillin in outpatient settings. The study examined whether citrate buffering could improve amoxicillin stability under OPAT conditions and whether co-administration of probenecid could enhance amoxicillin exposure, potentially supporting less frequent dosing regimens.
The research found that citrate buffering did not sufficiently improve amoxicillin stability for continuous infusion under OPAT conditions. However, the study demonstrated that probenecid substantially increased amoxicillin exposure and improved pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic target attainment.
Using population pharmacokinetic modelling and Monte Carlo simulations, the research also identified several probenecid-boosted intermittent and extended infusion regimens that achieved promising probabilities of target attainment. These findings support their potential for future clinical evaluation in OPAT programs.
The study highlights a potential strategy for expanding the use of narrow-spectrum antibiotics in outpatient care while reducing reliance on broader-spectrum agents, an important goal in antimicrobial stewardship and the fight against antimicrobial resistance.
Conducted under the supervision of Dr Fekade Bruck Sime and Professor Jason Roberts, and in collaboration with Mark Gilchrist, Andrew Seaton, Getnet Mengistu Assefa, and Steven C. Wallis, the publication reflects a strong multidisciplinary effort to advance evidence-based antimicrobial therapy.
This publication marks an important milestone in Zenaw's PhD journey and showcases the high-quality research being undertaken within the Antimicrobial Optimisation Group.
Congratulations to Zenaw on this outstanding achievement and contribution to advancing antimicrobial optimisation research.
