Clinical and Laboratory Studies of Novobiocin, a New Antibiotic

Novobiocin is a new antibiotic isolated independently by three different groups of workers.¹ The names given to this antibiotic, and the companies under whose supervision it was discovered, are as follows: Cathomycin (Merck); streptonivicin (Albamycin) (Upjohn); and Cardelmycin (Pfizer). Preliminary in vitro studies have shown that the antibiotic is active against the commonly encountered Gram-positive bacteria and also against certain Gram-negatives.² Of particular importance is the fact that staphylococci resistant to other antibiotics are highly susceptible to Novobiocin. Experimental infections in animals have also indicated a high degree of activity with little toxicity.³ Laboratory studies and a clinical trial in 75 patients comprise the present report.*

Methods 

Sensitivity Tests.  —Concentrations of novobiocin causing inhibition of growth of streptococci and pneumococci were determined in tryptose phosphate broth containing 3% human blood; 0.5 ml. amounts of a 10^-4 dilution of an overnight culture were added to equal amounts