A vancomycin-class glycopeptide, produced as several related A2 components, that caps cell-wall precursors.
Also known as: teichomycin A2 · Targocid
Part of the Foundational & therapeutic peptides cluster
Overview
Teicoplanin is a glycopeptide antibiotic complex first isolated in 1978 from Actinoplanes teichomyceticus, sharing the mechanism of vancomycin. It binds the D-alanyl-D-alanine terminus of peptidoglycan precursors, preventing cross-linking and blocking Gram-positive cell-wall synthesis. Marketed as Targocid in many countries (not the U.S.), it treats serious infections including MRSA. This page is educational and not medical advice.
Source & context
Biological / chemical source: Soil actinomycete Actinoplanes teichomyceticus
Primary research or clinical context: Approved (outside the U.S.) antibiotic for serious Gram-positive infections
Structure and mechanism
Teicoplanin is a mixture of closely related components (A2-1 to A2-5) built on a glycosylated heptapeptide core with a lipid side chain. By binding the D-Ala-D-Ala end of the growing peptidoglycan, it sterically blocks the transpeptidation and transglycosylation steps of cell-wall assembly in Gram-positive bacteria.
Clinical profile
Its long half-life allows once-daily dosing, and it is used for endocarditis, bone and soft-tissue infections and MRSA. Teicoplanin is approved across Europe, Asia and South America but not by the U.S. FDA. Research has also examined glycopeptides for antiviral entry inhibition. This page is educational only.
FAQ about Teicoplanin
What is Teicoplanin?+
Teicoplanin is a glycopeptide antibiotic complex first isolated in 1978 from Actinoplanes teichomyceticus, sharing the mechanism of vancomycin. It binds the D-alanyl-D-alanine terminus of peptidoglycan precursors, preventing cross-linking and blocking Gram-positive cell-wall synthesis. Marketed as Targocid in many countries (not the U.S.), it treats serious infections including MRSA. This page is educational and not medical advice.
Is Teicoplanin an approved medicine?+
Teicoplanin: Approved (outside the U.S.) antibiotic for serious Gram-positive infections. Always follow licensed medical guidance for approved products.
What is the typical length of Teicoplanin?+
Teicoplanin is not a classic amino-acid chain peptide in the same sense; see the profile for classification details.