Study 0018 (NCT00107978) compares the safety and effectiveness of an investigational drug, telavancin, and an approved drug, vancomycin, for the treatment of complicated skin and skin structure infections.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients must have a diagnosis of one of the following complicated skin and skin structure infections with MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) either suspected or confirmed as the major cause of the infection:

  • major abscess requiring surgical incision and drainage;
  • infected burn (see exclusion criteria for important qualifications);
  • deep/extensive cellulitis;
  • infected ulcer (see exclusion criteria for important qualifications);
  • wound infections

• Patients must be expected to require at least 7 days of intravenous antibiotic treatment.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Received more than 24 hours of potentially effective systemic (IV/IM or PO) antibiotic therapy
• Burns involving > 20% of body surface area or third degree/full thickness in nature, diabetic foot ulcers, ischemic ulcers/wounds, necrotizing fasciitis, gas gangrene, or mediastinitis.