Francesco Nappi
Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii infections pose a significant challenge due to their severity and the poor prognoses they often result in, particularly in cases where there are risk factors present. The United States (US) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identified carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) infections as a threat to human health. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified it as a top priority for research. In 2023, the US FDA approved sulbactam–durlobactam for treating certain A. baumannii infections. As of 2024, this combination is designated as the preferred treatment strategy by the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) for infections due to carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii. In this therapeutic review, the preclinical and clinical data relevant to this regulatory decision were analyzed. This in-depth analysis will provide a comprehensive overview of the complex subject matter. It should be observed that carbapenem-based combination therapy is indicated for carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii.