Background

 Fusidic acid (FA) has been used for decades for bone infection, including prosthetic joint infection (PJI), often in combination with rifampin (RIF). An FA/RIF pharmacokinetic interaction has not previously been described.

Methods

 In a phase 2 open-label randomized study, we evaluated oral FA/RIF vs standard-of-care (SOC) intravenous antibiotics for treatment of hip or knee PJI. Outcome assessment occurred at reimplantation (week 12) for subjects with 2-stage exchange, and after 3 or 6 months of treatment for subjects with hip or knee debride and retain strategies, respectively.

Results

 Fourteen subjects were randomized 1:1 to FA/RIF or SOC. Pharmacokinetic profiles were obtained for 6 subjects randomized to FA/RIF. FA concentrations were lower than anticipated in all subjects during the first week of therapy, and at weeks 4 and 6, blood levels continued to decline. By week 6, FA exposures were 40%-45% lower than expected.

Conclusions

 The sponsor elected to terminate this study due to a clearly illustrated drug-drug interaction between FA and RIF, which lowered FA levels to a degree that could influence subject outcomes. Optimization of FA exposure if used in combination with RIF should be a topic of future research.

Clinical trials registration

 NCT01756924.