Semi-mechanistic PK/PD modelling of combined polymyxin B and minocycline against a polymyxin-resistant strain of Acinetobacter baumannii.

Objectives: To expand on previous reports of synergy between polymyxin B (PMB) and minocycline (MIN) against Acinetobacter baumannii; and to gain insight into the qualitative and quantitative determinants of their synergy.

Methods: A semi-mechanistic pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) model was developed on the basis of data from in vitro time-kill experiments with determination of resistant bacterial count to describe the effects of PMB and MIN alone and in combination. The model was enriched by complementary experiments providing information on the characteristics of the resistant subpopulation.

Results: The model successfully described the data and made possible quantification of the strength of interaction between the two drugs and formulation of hypotheses about the mechanisms of the observed interaction. The effect of the combination was driven by MIN, with PMB acting as an helper drug; simulations at clinically achievable concentrations showed that 1.5 mg/L MIN +0.2 mg/L PMB is expected to produce sustained killing over 30 hours, while 0.3 mg/L MIN +1 mg/L PMB is met by bacterial regrowth. Interaction equations showed that maximal synergy is reached for PMB concentrations ≥0.1 mg/L and MIN concentrations ≥1 mg/L.

Conclusions: Semi-mechanistic PK/PD modelling was used to investigate the quantitative determinants of synergy between PMB and MIN on a PMB-resistant A. baumannii strain. The developed model, improving on usual study techniques, showed asymmetry in the drug interaction, as PMB acted mostly as a helper to MIN, and provided simulations as a tool for future studies.