The Next-Generation β-Lactamase Inhibitor Taniborbactam Restores the Morphological Effects of Cefepime in KPC-Producing Escherichia coli

Gram-negative bacteria producing carbapenemases are resistant to a variety of β-lactam antibiotics and pose a significant health risk. Given the dearth of new antibiotics, combinations of new broad-spectrum β-lactamase inhibitors (BLIs) with approved β-lactams have provided treatment options for resistant bacterial infections. Taniborbactam (formerly VNRX-5133) is an investigational BLI that is effective against both serine- and metallo-β-lactamases, including the serine carbapenemase KPC. In the current study, we assessed the effectiveness of taniborbactam to restore antibacterial activity of cefepime against KPC-3-producing Escherichia coli by inhibiting the KPC-3-dependent hydrolysis of cefepime. Time-lapse microscopy revealed that cells treated with greater than 1× MIC of cefepime (128 μg/ml) and cefepime-taniborbactam (4 μg/ml cefepime and 4 μg/ml taniborbactam) exhibited significant elongation, whereas cells treated with taniborbactam alone did not owing to a lack of standalone antibacterial activity of the BLI. The elongated cells also had frequent cellular voids thought to be formed by attempted cell divisions and pinching of the cytoplasmic membrane. Additionally, the effect of taniborbactam continued even after its removal from the growth medium. Pretreatment with 4 μg/ml taniborbactam helped to restore the antibacterial action of cefepime by neutralizing the effect of the KPC-3 β-lactamase.