Carbapenemase Inhibitors: Updates on Developments in 2021

Carbapenem resistance, an emerging global health problem, compromises the treatment of infections caused by nosocomial pathogens. Preclinical and clinical trials demonstrate that a new generation of carbapenemases inhibitors, together with the recently approved avibactam, relebactam and vaborbactam, would address this resistance. Our review summarizes the latest developments related to carbapenemase inhibitors synthesized to date, as well as their spectrum of activity and their current stage of development. A particular focus will be on β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combinations that could potentially be used to treat infections caused by carbapenemase-producer pathogens. These new combinations mark a critical step forward the fight against antimicrobial resistance.