A Study to Determine the Correct Dose of Amikacin Which is Delivered Directly to the Lungs of Ventilated Patients as an Aerosol Via an Investigational Device Called the Pulmonary Delivery Device System (PDDS)

A Double-Blind, Placebo-controlled Parallel Group, Phase II Dose-Ranging Study of Nebulized Amikacin Delivered Via the Pulmonary Drug Delivery System (PDDS) in Ventilated Patients With Nosocomial Pneumonia Due to Gram Negative Organisms

This study is part of a research program too see if amikacin delivered as an aerosol directly to the lungs in combination with IV antibiotic therapy can help intubated patients with gram-negative pneumonia get better faster than when given intravenous antibiotics alone. The primary purpose of this study is to determine the correct dose of amikacin which is delivered directly to the lungs as an aerosol via an investigational device called the Pulmonary Delivery Device System (PDDS).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male and female patients 18 years of age or older with a clinical diagnosis of VAP, HAP or HCAP who are expected to be on mechanical ventilation for at least 3 days

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with compromised of suppressed immune systems, severe hypoxemia, PEEP>15cm H2O, creatinine>2 mg/dL, or who are pregnant