Viomycin is a naturally occurring peptide antibiotic belonging to the tuberactinomycin group of antimicrobial compounds. It is an important pharmaceutical active ingredient historically used in the treatment of tuberculosis, particularly in cases involving drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Viomycin is also known by the names Florimycin, Viocin and Tuberactinomycin B.
Viomycin has the molecular formula C25H43N13O10 and a molecular weight of approximately 685.7 g/mol for the free compound. The commonly referenced pharmaceutical form is Viomycin Sulfate, with CAS Number 32988-50-4. The sulfate material can occur with variable hydration/solvation, so molecular weight values for the sulfate preparation may vary depending on the declared composition.
Viomycin is a peptide antibiotic with a highly polar structure and multiple amino and hydroxyl functionalities. It is highly water soluble compared with many conventional small-molecule APIs and is practically insoluble in most organic solvents.
Viomycin belongs to the tuberactinomycin family of antibiotics. It acts primarily against susceptible mycobacteria and has historically been used as an injectable anti-tuberculosis drug.
Its antibacterial activity is associated with interference with bacterial protein synthesis. Viomycin binds to bacterial ribosomal components and interferes with accurate translation, ultimately inhibiting the production of essential proteins required for bacterial growth.
The compound has historically been particularly relevant to Mycobacterium tuberculosis and was developed for use when resistance to other anti-tuberculosis agents limited treatment options.
Viomycin acts on the bacterial ribosome and interferes with protein synthesis.
The antibiotic interacts with the bacterial ribosomal machinery and affects translation accuracy. This prevents normal synthesis of essential bacterial proteins and contributes to inhibition of bacterial growth.
Viomycin is structurally related to other tuberactinomycin antibiotics such as capreomycin, although the compounds have distinct chemical structures and pharmacological characteristics.
Viomycin is a complex peptide antibiotic rather than a conventional synthetic small molecule. It contains multiple amino, carbonyl and hydroxyl functional groups that contribute to its high polarity.
Important characteristics include:
Historical physicochemical studies reported that Viomycin Sulfate is optically active and has a negative specific rotation. The reported value varies depending on hydration state, concentration, solvent and drying conditions.
Viomycin API is primarily associated with anti-tuberculosis pharmaceutical applications.
Potential applications include:
Viomycin has historically been administered by injection because of its pharmacological and physicochemical characteristics.
Viomycin exhibits antibacterial activity primarily against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and related susceptible mycobacteria.
The compound has historically been used as a second-line anti-tuberculosis antibiotic. However, its clinical use has been limited because of significant toxicity concerns, including renal and vestibular adverse effects.
Because Viomycin is a complex peptide antibiotic, its quality assessment differs from that of conventional small-molecule APIs.
Important analytical approaches may include:
Historical pharmacopoeial and regulatory standards have also used microbiological potency testing for Viomycin.
Viomycin is optically active. Historical studies reported a specific rotation of approximately −32° for air-dried Viomycin Sulfate in a 1% aqueous solution and approximately −40.6° after vacuum drying under specified conditions.
Because the observed rotation depends strongly on hydration and test conditions, a single numerical value should not be inserted into the CMS without matching the exact applicable monograph method.
Viomycin Sulfate is highly soluble in water and is essentially insoluble or very poorly soluble in most organic solvents.
This high aqueous solubility is consistent with its highly polar peptide structure.
Viomycin Sulfate should be stored in tightly closed pharmaceutical-grade containers and protected from excessive moisture and unsuitable environmental conditions.
Because Viomycin Sulfate can contain water associated with the material, moisture and water content should be controlled according to the applicable pharmaceutical specification.
Viomycin API is relevant to pharmaceutical companies, research organizations and qualified manufacturers working with anti-tuberculosis and mycobacterial pharmaceutical products.
Swapnroop Drugs & Pharmaceuticals provides Viomycin API for pharmaceutical research, formulation development and bulk API requirements, subject to applicable quality and regulatory specifications.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | white to off-white crystalline powder |
| Identification | IR & HPLC compliant |
| Assay (HPLC) | 98.0% – 102.0% |
| Residue on Ignition | NMT 0.1% |
| Water Content | NMT 4.5% |
| Specific Rotation | Approximately −32° to −40.6° |
| Melting Point | Approximately 252°C with decomposition |