Breakpoints

#140 – Beta-lactamase inhibitors: “Scientifically elegant, just complex"

Gram-negative resistance is beautifully intricate, scientifically elegant, and very complex. Nothing is more exciting than the recently approved and bursting pipeline of beta-lactamase inhibitors. Listen to Drs. Sam Aitken and Christophe Le Terrier, along with host Dr. Erin McCreary, describe the nuanced enzymology and other antibacterial properties of beta-lactamase inhibitors. This episode also discusses the concepts of stand-alone inhibitors, resistance development, and more. If you want to learn more about sulbactam, clavulanic acid, tazobactam, avibactam, relebactam, vaborbactam, durlobactam, enmetazobactam, zidebactam, nacubactam, ledaborbactam, taniborbactam, and xeruborbactam – this episode is for you! Funding for this podcast was provided by Shionogi Inc. References: 1.      Le Terrier C, Nordmann P, Buchs C, et al. Wide dissemination of Gram-negative bacteria producing the taniborbactam-resistant NDM-9 variant: a One Health concern. J Antimicrob Chemother. 2023;78(9):2382-2384. doi:10.1093/jac/dkad210 2.      Le Terrier C, Nordmann P, Buchs C, Poirel L. Effect of modification of penicillin-binding protein 3 on susceptibility to ceftazidime-avibactam, imipenem-relebactam, meropenem-vaborbactam, aztreonam-avibactam, cefepime-taniborbactam, and cefiderocol of Escherichia coli strains producing broad-spectrum β-lactamases. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2024;68(4):e0154823. doi:10.1128/AAC.01548-23 3.      Le Terrier C, Freire S, Viguier C, Findlay J, Nordmann P, Poirel L. Relative inhibitory activities of the broad-spectrum β-lactamase inhibitor xeruborbactam in comparison with taniborbactam against metallo-β-lactamases produced in Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2024;68(6):e0157023. doi:10.1128/AAC.01570-23 4.      Le Terrier C, Mlynarcik P, Sadek M, Nordmann P, Poirel L. Relative inhibitory activities of newly developed diazabicyclooctanes, boronic acid derivatives, and penicillin-based sulfone β-lactamase inhibitors against broad-spectrum AmpC β-lactamases. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2024;68(11):e0077524. doi:10.1128/AAC.00775-24 Learn more about the Society of Infectious Diseases Pharmacists: https://sidp.org/About Instagram: @SIDPharm ( https://www.instagram.com/sidpharm/) or @breakpointspodcast_sidp (https://www.instagram.com/breakpointspodcast_sidp/) https://www.instagram.com/breakpointspodcast_sidp/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sidprx LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/sidp/ SIDP welcomes pharmacists and non-pharmacist members with an interest in infectious diseases, learn how to join here: https://sidp.org/Become-a-Member Listen to Breakpoints on iTunes, Overcast, Spotify, Listen Notes, Player FM, Pocket Casts, Stitcher, Google Play, TuneIn, Blubrry, RadioPublic, or by using our RSS feed: https://sidp.pinecast.co/https://sidp.pinecast.co/

#139 – The ART of HIV Care: Evidence, Pearls and Practice

Join Dr.  Whitney Buckel and leading HIV experts Dr. William Short and Dr. Ryan Tomlin for an engaging discussion on the current and future state of HIV care. As treatment and prevention options continue to evolve, clinicians face new opportunities and challenges in translating evidence into practice. This episode examines long-acting therapies, prevention innovations, and key implementation considerations, providing practical guidance and real-world perspectives to help healthcare professionals deliver high-quality, evidence-based HIV care. Learn more about the Society of Infectious Diseases Pharmacists: https://sidp.org/About Instagram: @SIDPharm ( https://www.instagram.com/sidpharm/) or @breakpointspodcast_sidp (https://www.instagram.com/breakpointspodcast_sidp/) https://www.instagram.com/breakpointspodcast_sidp/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sidprx LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/sidp/ SIDP welcomes pharmacists and non-pharmacist members with an interest in infectious diseases, learn how to join here: https://sidp.org/Become-a-Member Listen to Breakpoints on iTunes, Overcast, Spotify, Listen Notes, Player FM, Pocket Casts, Stitcher, Google Play, TuneIn, Blubrry, RadioPublic, or by using our RSS feed: https://sidp.pinecast.co/

#138 – You CAN Go Home Again: A review of OPAT and CoPAT from the MAD-ID/SIDP Annual Meeting

In this must-listen episode, Dr. Ryan Moenster is joined by Dr. Monica Mahoney and Dr. Mark Gilchrist to dive deep into the evolving landscape of outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) and complex outpatient antimicrobial therapy (CoPAT), highlighting real-world challenges, patient selection, and emerging treatment strategies. Navigating outpatient antimicrobial management can be complex, but this episode breaks down key insights and practical applications to help clinicians optimize care beyond the hospital. References: 1.       Noble AL, Patel S, Birnie E, et al. 2026 updated good practice recommendations for outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) in adults and children in the UK. JAC Antimicrob Resist. 2026;8(2). 2.       British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy (BSAC). OPAT Global Summit 2027. 3.       Naicker S, Roberts JA, Cheng V, et al. A review of antimicrobial stability testing guidance for outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy programmes: Is it time for global harmonization of testing frameworks? JAC Antimicrob Resist. 2024;6(6). 4.       Gilchrist M, Jamieson C, Drummond F, et al. Assessment of ceftolozane/tazobactam degradation profile and toxicity data in elastomeric devices for continuous infusion via outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT). JAC Antimicrob Resist. 2023;5(2). 5.       Naicker S, Roberts JA, Won H, et al. Evaluation of the stability of ceftazidime/avibactam in elastomeric infusion devices used for outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy utilizing a national stability protocol framework. JAC Antimicrob Resist. 2024;6(2). 6.       Wolie ZT, Unwin S, Burke A, et al. Evaluation of the stability of tigecycline in elastomeric infusion devices used for outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy. JAC Antimicrob Resist. 2025;7(3). 7.       Solomon DA, Beieler AM, Levy S, et al. Perspectives on the use of outpatient parenteral antibiotic therapy for people who inject drugs: Results from an online survey of infectious diseases clinicians. Open Forum Infect Dis. 2023;10(7):ofad372. doi:10.1093/ofid/ofad372. 8.       Yagnik KJ, Brown LS, Saad HA, et al. Implementation of IV push antibiotics for outpatients during a national fluid shortage following Hurricane Maria. Open Forum Infect Dis. 2022;9(5):ofac117. doi:10.1093/ofid/ofac117. 9.       Boettcher SR, Kenney RM, Everson NA, et al. Discharge delays and costs associated with outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy for multidrug-resistant organisms: A retrospective cohort study. Open Forum Infect Dis. 2025;13(1):ofaf770. 10.   Rivera CG, Mara KC, Mahoney MV, Ryan KL. Survey of pharmacists on their roles and perceptions of outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy in the United States. Antimicrob Steward Healthc Epidemiol. 2022;2(1):e69. 11.   Rapoport AB, Fischer LS, Santibanez S, et al. Infectious diseases physicians’ perspectives regarding injection drug use and related infections—United States, 2017. Open Forum Infect Dis. 2018;5(7):ofy132. doi:10.1093/ofid/ofy132. 12.   Turner NA, Hamasaki T, Doernberg SB, et al.; Antibacterial Resistance Leadership Group. Dalbavancin for treatment of Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia: The DOTS randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 2025;334(10):866–877. doi:10.1001/jama.2025.12543. 13.   Volk CF, Hutson PR, Rose WE. Simulated target attainment of multidose regimens of dalbavancin for prolonged durations of therapy. Open Forum Infect Dis. 2024;11(6):ofae315. doi:10.1093/ofid/ofae315. Learn more about the Society of Infectious Diseases Pharmacists: https://sidp.org/About Instagram: @SIDPharm ( https://www.instagram.com/sidpharm/) or @breakpointspodcast_sidp (https://www.instagram.com/breakpointspodcast_sidp/) https://www.instagram.com/breakpointspodcast_sidp/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sidprx LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/sidp/ SIDP welcomes pharmacists and non-pharmacist members with an interest in infectious diseases, learn how to join here: https://sidp.org/Become-a-Member Listen to Breakpoints on iTunes, Overcast, Spotify, Listen Notes, Player FM, Pocket Casts, Stitcher, Google Play, TuneIn, Blubrry, RadioPublic, or by using our RSS feed: https://sidp.pinecast.co/

#137 – Hot Topics: What You May Have Missed in Infectious Diseases 2025-2026 (LIVE from MAD-ID)

In this must-listen episode, Dr. Ryan Moenster and Dr. Megan Klatt dive deep into the latest infectious diseases trials, guidelines, and novel therapeutics. Staying current in the field is a challenge, but this podcast episode does the legwork for you. Note: BCIDP credit is available for this episode. Google Drive to Slides from Live Session: [https://drive.google.com/file/d/11uHzZoValckfsjUTIdVyAJ35QDSVRfQu/view?usp=sharing](https://drive.google.com/file/d/11uHzZoValckfsjUTIdVyAJ35QDSVRfQu/view?usp=sharing "https://drive.google.com/file/d/11uHzZoValckfsjUTIdVyAJ35QDSVRfQu/view?usp=sharing") How to Obtain BCIDP Recertification Credit for this Episode: Visit https://sidp.org/BCIDPhttps://sidp.org/BCIDPSIDP - BCIDP Recertification for more information SIDP welcomes pharmacists and non-pharmacist members with an interest in infectious diseases, learn how to join here: https://sidp.org/Become-a-Member Listen to Breakpoints on iTunes, Overcast, Spotify, Listen Notes, Player FM, Pocket Casts, Stitcher, Google Play, TuneIn, Blubrry, RadioPublic, or by using our RSS feed: https://sidp.pinecast.co/

#136 – GAS, Streptococcus pyogenes: Call It What You Want, It’s Got a Big Reputation

Group A Streptococcal infections remain a global challenge, spanning common conditions like pharyngitis to severe invasive disease. Dr. Shiranee Sriskandan, Dr. Josh Osowicki, and Dr. Tom Parks join host Dr. Erin McCreary to explore the evolving landscape of Group A Strep. From unpacking vaccine development challenges and the ongoing burden of rheumatic fever, to rethinking durations of therapy for strep throat and the role of adjunctive treatments, we have you covered! Join us as we break down key controversies, share expert insights, and highlight practical pearls you can apply in your own practice. References: 1. https://www.lancefieldsociety.org/ 2. Osowicki J, Lamagni TL. Invasive Group A Streptococcal Disease in the US. JAMA. 2025;333(17):1493-1494. doi:10.1001/jama.2025.3257 3. Davis K, Abo YN, Steer AC, Osowicki J. Chains of misery: surging invasive group A streptococcal disease. Curr Opin Infect Dis. 2024;37(6):485-493. doi:10.1097/QCO.0000000000001064 4. Osowicki J, Azzopardi KI, Fabri L, et al. A controlled human infection model of Streptococcus pyogenes pharyngitis (CHIVAS-M75): an observational, dose-finding study. Lancet Microbe. 2021;2(7):e291-e299. doi:10.1016/S2666-5247(20)30240-8 5. Hla TK, Osowicki J, Marsh JA, et al. Establishing the lowest penicillin concentration to prevent pharyngitis due to Streptococcus pyogenes using a human challenge model (CHIPS): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Lancet Microbe. 2025;6(5):101038. doi:10.1016/j.lanmic.2024.101038 Learn more about the Society of Infectious Diseases Pharmacists: https://sidp.org/About Instagram: @SIDPharm (https://www.instagram.com/sidpharm/) or @breakpointspodcast_sidp (https://www.instagram.com/breakpointspodcast_sidp/)https://www.instagram.com/breakpointspodcast_sidp/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sidprx LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sidp/ SIDP welcomes pharmacists and non-pharmacist members with an interest in infectious diseases, learn how to join here: https://sidp.org/Become-a-Member Listen to Breakpoints on iTunes, Overcast, Spotify, Listen Notes, Player FM, Pocket Casts, Stitcher, Google Play, TuneIn, Blubrry, RadioPublic, or by using our RSS feed: https://sidp.pinecast.co/