A phase 3 trial is underway to examine the efficacy of Savara Pharmaceuticals’ AeroVanc inhalant for MRSA in patients with cystic fibrosis.

AeroVanc, also known as vancomycin hydrochloride inhalation powder, is aimed at methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA.

There are both gram-positive and gram-negative versions of MRSA. Gram-negative bacteria have thicker cell walls than gram-positive bacteria, and thus are more resistant to treatments.

Inhaled antibiotics are available for gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa lung infections in people with CF. But there are no approved inhaled treatments for gram-positive MRSA infections.