Merck pulls last-resort antibiotic Recarbrio from U.S. market

Earlier this month Merck discontinued the distribution of Recarbrio, an injectable antibiotic composed of three agents and approved for use in both adults and children with serious, limited-option infections. The drug, approved seven years ago, targets hospital-acquired pneumonia, complicated urinary tract infections, and intra-abdominal infections, and was classified by the Food and Drug Administration as a treatment of last resort to preserve its efficacy against resistant bacteria.

Because of this status, the market for Recarbrio was inherently small, restricting revenue prospects. Merck did not provide a rationale for the decision, and its regulatory submissions omitted any sales data for the product. The move highlights ongoing challenges in sustaining the development and availability of antibiotics critical to public health.