Importance of the field: The quinolone class of antibacterial agents has a proven track record over the past several decades for the treatment of bacterial infections. Their unique mechanism of action and bactericidal properties make them attractive therapeutic agents.
Areas covered in this review: Significant research efforts continue to the present day in both academia and industry, which have provided a number of promising drug candidates for further development. This review examines quinolones that have been approved for market, entered into clinical trials or reported in the literature during 2005 - 2010.
What the reader will gain: The reader will be provided with background information on the quinolones as well as recent research findings that demonstrate the continued utility of the class as antibacterial agents. The review highlights a number of recently reported compounds of interest.
Take home message: Despite nearly 40 years of research, quinolones still provide new analogs of both scientific and clinical interest. Compounds that are active against antibiotic resistant strains including multiple drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis as well as compounds with improved pharmacokinetic and safety profiles are goals for current and future programs in this area.