Balofloxacin is quinolone antibiotic, inhibiting the synthesis of bacterial DNA by interference with the enqyme DNA gyrase. Target: Antibacterial; DNA gyrase. Balofloxacin, an orally active fluoroquinolone antibiotic, has been developed by Choongwae Pharma in Korea, for the treatment of urinary tract infection (UTI). Chugai and Ciba were developing balofloxacin for respiratory tract infections (RTI) but discontinued development in 1995 due to changes in Chugai's R&D focus and a lack of efficacy of the drug. Following phase II trials, Choongwae bought the rights to develop balofloxacin in Korea from Chugai. Phase III trials for UTI were completed in early 2001. Balofloxacin was approved by the Korean FDA in December 2001 for UTI. In March 2002, phase II trials were underway for RTI.

• [1]. Alksne L. Balofloxacin Choongwae. Curr Opin Investig Drugs. 2003 Feb;4(2):224-9.