Oritavancin (Orbactiv(®)) is a lipoglycopeptide antibacterial drug with activity against Gram-positive bacteria developed by The Medicines Company as a single-dose treatment for acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI). The drug received its first global approval for this indication in the US in August 2014, and is under regulatory review in the EU. This article summarises the milestones in the development of oritavancin leading to this first approval for the treatment of ABSSSIs caused by Gram-positive bacteria.