Imipenem
| Evidence Level: L5 | Predicted Indications: 10 |
Table of Contents
Imipenem: From Bacterial Infections to Diffuse Scleroderma
One-Sentence Summary
Imipenem is a carbapenem antibiotic, originally used for serious bacterial infections such as bacterial pneumonia, peritonitis and endocarditis. The TxGNN model predicts it may be effective for diffuse scleroderma, an autoimmune fibrotic disease. There are currently 0 clinical trials and 0 publications supporting this prediction, so it rests on the computational score alone.
Quick Overview
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Original Indication | Bacterial pneumonia, peritonitis, endocarditis and other bacterial infections (the Singapore licence records contain no indication text, so this comes from the TxGNN knowledge graph) |
| Predicted New Indication | Diffuse scleroderma |
| TxGNN Prediction Score | 99.99% (ranked 260th overall) |
| Evidence Level | L5 |
| Singapore Market Status | ✓ Marketed |
| Number of Registrations | 4 |
| Recommended Decision | Hold |
Why is This Prediction Reasonable?
Detailed mechanism of action data is not available in the data compiled for this report. Imipenem is a carbapenem beta-lactam antibiotic. Its efficacy in bacterial infections is well established, and it acts by binding penicillin-binding proteins to disrupt bacterial cell-wall synthesis.
Diffuse scleroderma is an autoimmune, fibrotic connective-tissue disease, not an infection. No plausible antibacterial mechanism links imipenem to it, and no immunomodulatory or antifibrotic mechanism for imipenem is documented in the data compiled for this report. The high TxGNN score is a computational association from the knowledge graph. It is not supported by any trial or publication, and it should not be read as a therapeutic signal.
Clinical Trial Evidence
Currently no related clinical trials registered.
Literature Evidence
Currently no related literature available.
Singapore Market Information
Imipenem is marketed in Singapore as an injectable imipenem/cilastatin combination. All 4 registrations are valid single-entry licences, and none has been cancelled. Indication text is not recorded for any of them.
| Authorization Number | Product Name | Dosage Form | Approved Indication |
|---|---|---|---|
| SIN14329P | Imipenem + Cilastatin Mevon Powder for Solution for Injection 500 mg + 500 mg | Powder for solution for injection | Not specified in the records |
| SIN14589P | Imipenem/Cilastatin Labatec IV Powder for Injection 500 mg/500 mg | Powder for solution for injection | Not specified in the records |
| SIN16280P | IMCIL Powder for Solution for Injection or Infusion 500 mg/500 mg per vial | Powder for solution for injection | Not specified in the records |
| SIN14765P | Imipenem/Cilastatin Kabi Powder for Solution for Infusion 500 mg/500 mg | Powder for solution for infusion | Not specified in the records |
All products are injectable only.
Safety Considerations
Please refer to the package insert for key warnings and contraindications. Label-based safety text was not available for this report.
- Contraindication-related conditions (knowledge graph, not label text): epilepsy, kidney disease, pyoureter, Clostridium difficile colitis, perinatal necrotizing enterocolitis.
- Drug Interactions: 15 interactions were identified.
- Major: bupropion, iohexol, iopamidol.
- Moderate: warfarin, dicoumarol, theophylline, aminophylline, dyphylline, oxtriphylline, cyclosporine, mycophenolic acid, ethinylestradiol, pemetrexed, lindane, polyethylene glycol (3350 with electrolytes).
Conclusion and Next Steps
Decision: Hold
Rationale: The prediction for diffuse scleroderma has no clinical trials or literature behind it and no plausible mechanism. Imipenem's known antibacterial action does not address an autoimmune fibrotic disease. Repurposing efforts are better directed at other predicted indications with actual data. These include typhoid fever, where carbapenems are a last-line option for extensively drug-resistant disease, and Staphylococcus aureus infection (MRSA), which has two small Phase 4 trials of imipenem-containing combinations.
To proceed, the following is needed:
- A credible biological rationale for imipenem in diffuse scleroderma, supported by mechanism data (MOA)
- Preclinical or clinical studies of any kind in this disease
- Package insert warnings and contraindications for Singapore-registered products, to enable safety screening
Disclaimer
This content is for research purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Clinical validation is required before any clinical application.