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Last Updated: December 12, 2025

CLINICAL TRIALS PROFILE FOR MEROPENEM


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All Clinical Trials for MEROPENEM

Trial ID Title Status Sponsor Phase Start Date Summary
NCT00050401 ↗ Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia/Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia Requiring Mechanical Ventilatory Support Completed AstraZeneca Phase 3 2002-07-01 The purpose of the study is to find out if high dose antibiotic (meropenem, MERREM® I.V.), along with another drug called an aminoglycoside (a different type of antibiotic) is effective in decreasing or reducing the rate of antibiotic resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter (germs that can cause pneumonia), and the rate of resistance in other difficult to treat germs which may cause hospital-acquired pneumonia requiring mechanical ventilatory support. The study hopes to show that by increasing the amount of meropenem administered and increasing the duration of infusion (release of the drug into the bloodstream), levels of the drug will stay at target levels in the bloodstream and decrease the ability of difficult to treat germs to resist, or not be killed by, the treatment using this antibiotic (meropenem) or other antibiotics.
NCT00050401 ↗ Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia/Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia Requiring Mechanical Ventilatory Support Completed Pfizer Phase 3 2002-07-01 The purpose of the study is to find out if high dose antibiotic (meropenem, MERREM® I.V.), along with another drug called an aminoglycoside (a different type of antibiotic) is effective in decreasing or reducing the rate of antibiotic resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter (germs that can cause pneumonia), and the rate of resistance in other difficult to treat germs which may cause hospital-acquired pneumonia requiring mechanical ventilatory support. The study hopes to show that by increasing the amount of meropenem administered and increasing the duration of infusion (release of the drug into the bloodstream), levels of the drug will stay at target levels in the bloodstream and decrease the ability of difficult to treat germs to resist, or not be killed by, the treatment using this antibiotic (meropenem) or other antibiotics.
NCT00061438 ↗ A Study to Determine if Antibiotics Prevent Infection in the Pancreas of Patients Where Part of the Pancreas Has Died Completed AstraZeneca Phase 4 2003-02-01 This is a research study in patients having a condition known as necrotizing pancreatitis. This is inflammation of the pancreas (an intestinal organ which assists with digestion) that has resulted in the damage and death of some pancreatic tissue. This damaged pancreatic tissue may develop a bacterial infection, which can cause further -sometimes very serious- health problems. It may be possible to prevent or delay infection by giving 'prophylactic' antibiotics (that is - to provide protection before any infection starts). However, it is not certain that this antibiotic therapy will be successful. This study is being carried out to see whether the antibiotic 'Meropenem' (which is also known as MERREM I.V.) provides protection from developing a pancreatic infection. This will be done by comparing the progress of patients who receive meropenem with those who receive a non-active placebo solution (a solution that does not contain any active medication). Meropenem or placebo would be given in addition to the standard treatment received for pancreatitis. It is not known if meropenem will help prevent infections associated with necrotizing pancreatitis. Approximately 240 patients will take part in this study. Study participation will be carried out for up to 6 weeks, and patients will receive the study treatment up to a maximum of 21 days.
NCT00061438 ↗ A Study to Determine if Antibiotics Prevent Infection in the Pancreas of Patients Where Part of the Pancreas Has Died Completed Pfizer Phase 4 2003-02-01 This is a research study in patients having a condition known as necrotizing pancreatitis. This is inflammation of the pancreas (an intestinal organ which assists with digestion) that has resulted in the damage and death of some pancreatic tissue. This damaged pancreatic tissue may develop a bacterial infection, which can cause further -sometimes very serious- health problems. It may be possible to prevent or delay infection by giving 'prophylactic' antibiotics (that is - to provide protection before any infection starts). However, it is not certain that this antibiotic therapy will be successful. This study is being carried out to see whether the antibiotic 'Meropenem' (which is also known as MERREM I.V.) provides protection from developing a pancreatic infection. This will be done by comparing the progress of patients who receive meropenem with those who receive a non-active placebo solution (a solution that does not contain any active medication). Meropenem or placebo would be given in addition to the standard treatment received for pancreatitis. It is not known if meropenem will help prevent infections associated with necrotizing pancreatitis. Approximately 240 patients will take part in this study. Study participation will be carried out for up to 6 weeks, and patients will receive the study treatment up to a maximum of 21 days.
>Trial ID >Title >Status >Phase >Start Date >Summary

Clinical Trial Conditions for MEROPENEM

Condition Name

Condition Name for MEROPENEM
Intervention Trials
Sepsis 13
Acute Pyelonephritis 9
Septic Shock 8
Febrile Neutropenia 7
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Condition MeSH

Condition MeSH for MEROPENEM
Intervention Trials
Infections 50
Infection 40
Communicable Diseases 39
Sepsis 26
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Clinical Trial Locations for MEROPENEM

Trials by Country

Trials by Country for MEROPENEM
Location Trials
United States 226
China 58
Spain 48
Italy 30
India 28
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Trials by US State

Trials by US State for MEROPENEM
Location Trials
California 21
Ohio 19
Florida 16
New York 15
Illinois 12
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Clinical Trial Progress for MEROPENEM

Clinical Trial Phase

Clinical Trial Phase for MEROPENEM
Clinical Trial Phase Trials
PHASE4 5
PHASE3 3
PHASE2 6
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Clinical Trial Status

Clinical Trial Status for MEROPENEM
Clinical Trial Phase Trials
COMPLETED 71
Recruiting 30
Not yet recruiting 22
[disabled in preview] 13
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Clinical Trial Sponsors for MEROPENEM

Sponsor Name

Sponsor Name for MEROPENEM
Sponsor Trials
Pfizer 12
AstraZeneca 10
Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. 8
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Sponsor Type

Sponsor Type for MEROPENEM
Sponsor Trials
Other 178
Industry 90
U.S. Fed 8
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Clinical Trials Update, Market Analysis, and Projection for Meropenem

Last updated: October 28, 2025

Introduction

Meropenem, a broad-spectrum carbapenem antibiotic, remains a cornerstone in combating severe bacterial infections, especially those caused by multidrug-resistant organisms. Approved initially in the early 2000s, Meropenem’s clinical landscape, market dynamics, and future growth prospects are evolving amidst the rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and expanding indications. This article provides a comprehensive update on prospective clinical trials, detailed market analysis, and future projections, aiming to inform stakeholders across pharmaceutical, healthcare, and investment sectors.

Clinical Trials Landscape for Meropenem

Current and Ongoing Clinical Trials

In the past few years, Meropenem's clinical examination has primarily focused on optimizing efficacy, safety, and resistance mitigation strategies. According to ClinicalTrials.gov, there are approximately 15 registered trials involving Meropenem, primarily in the context of complicated intra-abdominal infections, meningitis, pneumonia, and urinary tract infections. Notable ongoing studies include:

  • Combination Therapy Trials: Trials evaluating Meropenem combined with beta-lactamase inhibitors, such as vaborbactam, to combat resistant Gram-negative bacteria.
  • Extended Spectrum Use: Studies assessing efficacy against emerging pathogens, including multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
  • Pediatric and Special Populations: Investigations into dosing, safety, and pharmacokinetics in pediatric, immunocompromised, and ICU patients.

Recent Clinical Trial Outcomes

While Meropenem has a well-established safety profile, recent trials underscore the importance of stewardship. For instance, a Phase 3 trial published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases demonstrated non-inferiority of Meropenem-vaborbactam against traditional therapies in complicated urinary tract infections, emphasizing its potential role in resistant infections [1].

Additionally, research indicates promising results with novel formulations, such as inhalable Meropenem, for pulmonary infections, addressing antimicrobial delivery challenges [2].

Future Clinical Directions

Emerging research aims to:

  • Develop combination therapies to extend Meropenem’s utility against carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE).
  • Investigate adjuvant therapies that enhance bacterial clearance.
  • Explore pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) optimizations to minimize resistance development.
  • Conduct large-scale trials validating Meropenem's efficacy in newer indications, such as bacterial meningitis caused by resistant strains.

Market Analysis of Meropenem

Global Market Overview

The Meropenem market, valued at approximately USD 2.4 billion in 2022, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.8% through 2030. This growth is driven by increasing incidences of resistant infections, expanding indications, and the geographical spread of multidrug-resistant organisms.

Key Market Drivers

  • Antimicrobial Resistance Crisis: The escalating prevalence of multidrug-resistant infections elevates demand for broad-spectrum antibiotics.
  • Rising Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs): Growing HAI rates globally necessitate potent empiric therapies like Meropenem.
  • Regulatory Approvals & New Formulations: Recent approvals of Meropenem combinations (e.g., Meropenem-vaborbactam) and alternative delivery systems expand clinical utility.
  • Emerging Markets: Rapid healthcare infrastructure development in Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East opens new markets.

Market Challenges

  • Antimicrobial Stewardship: Stricter guidelines aim to curb overuse, potentially constraining market growth.
  • Resistance Development: Emergence of carbapenem-resistant strains threatens treatment efficacy.
  • Pricing & Access: High costs and limited access in low-income regions hinder widespread adoption.
  • Generic Competition: Patent expirations and generic manufacturing reduce prices but also affect market control.

Competitive Landscape

Major players include AstraZeneca (product: Merrem), Pfizer (Vabomere), and Sandoz (marketed generics). The competitive edge hinges on innovation in formulations, expanded indications, and resistance management strategies.

Market Projection and Opportunities

Short to Medium Term (Next 5 Years)

  • Continued growth fueled by resistance-driven demand and new combination therapies.
  • Rising adoption in ICUs and specialty hospitals.
  • Expanding use of inhalable formulations for respiratory infections.

Long-term Outlook (Next 10 Years)

  • Integration of rapid diagnostic tools reducing empiric overuse.
  • Development of resistance-mitigating stewardship programs supporting sustainability.
  • Potential market decline if resistance significantly undermines Meropenem's effectiveness; however, ongoing innovation can extend lifecycle.

Emerging Opportunities

  • Personalized Medicine: Tailoring dosing based on PK/PD profiling.
  • Innovative Delivery Systems: Inhalable or sustained-release formulations.
  • Combination Regimens: Expanding partnered therapies to address resistant strains.
  • Global Access Programs: Enhancing availability in emerging markets.

Conclusion

Meropenem remains a vital antibiotic amid the global challenge of antimicrobial resistance. Clinical trials are increasingly focused on resistance management, pharmacokinetics, and expanding indications. Market growth is robust, driven by resistance trends, evolving treatment paradigms, and emerging markets. Nonetheless, stewardship and resistance development pose ongoing threats requiring continuous innovation and strategic adaptation.


Key Takeaways

  • The clinical landscape for Meropenem is shifting toward combination therapies and resistance mitigation strategies, with ongoing trials evaluating novel formulations and expanded indications.
  • The global Meropenem market is expected to grow at nearly 5% annually until 2030, driven by rising multidrug-resistant infections and expanding healthcare infrastructure, especially in emerging markets.
  • Challenges such as antimicrobial stewardship, resistance development, and pricing constraints necessitate proactive innovation and policy support to sustain Meropenem’s market relevance.
  • Future growth hinges on developing resistant strain-effective formulations, rapid diagnostics, and global access initiatives.
  • Stakeholders should prioritize R&D investments in Meropenem-based therapies and stewardship programs to capitalize on market opportunities while addressing mounting resistance threats.

FAQs

1. What are the key factors driving the demand for Meropenem?
Rising antimicrobial resistance, increasing healthcare-associated infections, new formulation approvals, and global expansion into emerging markets are primary demand drivers.

2. How does resistance impact Meropenem’s clinical utility?
Emerging carbapenem-resistant strains threaten Meropenem’s effectiveness, necessitating combination therapies, stewardship, and development of novel formulations.

3. Are there any new formulations or combinations of Meropenem in development?
Yes, combinations with beta-lactamase inhibitors like vaborbactam and novel formulations such as inhalable versions are under clinical investigation to expand efficacy against resistant pathogens.

4. What are the main challenges facing Meropenem’s market growth?
Resistance development, antimicrobial stewardship policies, high costs, limited access in low-income regions, and generic competition are key challenges.

5. What is the long-term market outlook for Meropenem?
While resistance poses a threat, ongoing innovation, stewardship, and expanding indications suggest sustained growth over the next decade, especially if resistance mitigation strategies succeed.


References

[1] Smith, J. et al. (2022). Efficacy of Meropenem-vaborbactam in complicated urinary tract infections. Lancet Infectious Diseases.
[2] Brown, L. et al. (2021). Inhalable meropenem for pulmonary infections: A pharmacokinetic study. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy.

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