Date: {{$ActivityAssignDate}}

Dear Dr. {{ $doctorName }},

Subject: Faropenem Assessment and REview of Step-down THerapy in the Management of Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) and Skin and Soft Tissue Infections (SSTI) (FRESH Study)

Urinary tract infection (UTI) and skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI) are most common infectious diseases worldwide and in India. UTI is more prevalent among females with an incidence rate 50-fold higher among the 20–50 years age group. UTI may manifest as cystitis, pyelonephritis, and asymptomatic bacteriuria, chronic and recurrent UTIs.

SSTI constitutes around 29-32% of all infections in 2018-2019. It can range from a simple superficial lesion that can resolve from topical applications and oral antibiotics, to serious conditions requiring surgical interventions and parenteral therapy. Common uncomplicated infections are furuncle, carbuncle, impetigo, secondary infections in a wound, superficial ulcers, etc. The lesion is said to be complicated when there is involvement of subcutaneous plane and adjacent soft tissues as seen in necrotizing fasciitis, extensive cellulitis and deep-seated ulcers.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as one of the most pressing global public health threats of the 21st century. Faropenem is an oral antibiotic that belongs to the “penems” class of β-lactam antibiotics. Faropenem has broad antimicrobial activity, is active against aerobic gram-positive, gram-negative, and anaerobic bacteria.

Real world data on the place of faropenem in the management of UTI and SSTI as well its use as a step-down therapy after intravenous administration of antibiotics in the hospitalized patients of UTI and SSTI is limited. This study is planned to assess the use of faropenem in UTI and SSTI management and its place as a step-down therapy after the use of intravenous antibiotics.

If you agree to participate, you will be required to respond to questions of the enclosed questionnaire. We trust you and we are partners in promoting safe and effective drug therapy. In that spirit we hope you will consent to participate in this study. If you do, please sign and return the enclosed reply along with your visiting card for accuracy of records.