History of Azithromycin in Timeline

Azithromycin, known commercially as Zithromax or Azasite, is an antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections. These include ear infections, strep throat, pneumonia, traveler's diarrhea, and specific intestinal infections. It can also be used in conjunction with other medications to treat malaria. Azithromycin can be taken orally, intravenously, or as eye drops.

1980: Azithromycin Discovery

A team of researchers at the pharmaceutical company Pliva, based in Zagreb, Croatia, discovered the antibiotic azithromycin in 1980.

1981: Azithromycin Patent Filed

Pliva secured a patent for azithromycin in 1981, protecting its intellectual property rights.

1986: Pliva and Pfizer Licensing Agreement

In 1986, Pliva entered into a licensing agreement with Pfizer, granting Pfizer exclusive rights to sell azithromycin in Western Europe and the United States.

1988: Azithromycin Approved for Medical Use

In 1988, Azithromycin received approval for medical use, marking a significant step towards its availability to patients.

1991: Pfizer Launches Zithromax

Pfizer introduced azithromycin to the market under the brand name Zithromax in 1991, utilizing the license obtained from Pliva.

2005: Azithromycin Patent Expiry

The patent protection for azithromycin expired in 2005, paving the way for generic versions of the drug to enter the market.

2010: Azithromycin - Most Prescribed Antibiotic in the US

Azithromycin became the most frequently prescribed antibiotic for outpatients in the US in 2010, indicating its popularity among healthcare providers.

2012: Study Finds Increased Risk of Death with Azithromycin

A 2012 study revealed that azithromycin might increase the risk of death, particularly among individuals with heart conditions, compared to those using other antibiotics or no antibiotics at all.

2013: FDA Issues Warning for Azithromycin

In 2013, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning about azithromycin's potential to cause abnormal changes in the heart's electrical activity, which could lead to a life-threatening irregular heart rhythm.

2017: Azithromycin Remains Highly Prescribed in the US

In 2017, azithromycin secured its position as the second most prescribed antibiotic for outpatients in the United States.

2021: Azithromycin Ranks High in US Prescriptions

Azithromycin was the 97th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States in 2021, highlighting its widespread use.

2022: Azithromycin's Continued Prevalence in US Prescriptions

Azithromycin remained a highly prescribed antibiotic, ranking as the second most prescribed for outpatients in the United States in 2022.

2024: Ongoing Research on Azithromycin's Interaction with Microbiome

As of 2024, research is still underway to fully understand the specific ways in which azithromycin interacts with a patient's microbiome, particularly how alterations in microbial composition influence the drug's effectiveness and patient outcomes.