Fidaxomicin cures C.diff infections like vancomycin; prevents more recurrences (RCT)

Louie et al report results of a phase 3 industry-funded trial of fidaxomicin, a poorly absorbed oral macrolide that's bacteriocidal vs C. difficile. The new drug was equivalent to oral vanco in curing C.diff infections (~90%), and superior at preventing recurrences (~14% vs 24%). It did not prevent recurrences of the more lethal and increasingly prevalent NAP1/BI/027 strain of C.diff. (n=629) NEJM 2011;364:422-431.