Polymyxin B Sulfate is a white to off-white powder derived from the bacterium Bacillus polymyxa. It is one of our strategic active pharmaceutical ingredients for dermal ointments.

There are two types of Polymyxins: Polymyxin B and Polymyxin E(also known as colistin). Polymyxin B is composed of polymyxins B1, B1-I, B2, B3, and B6. Polymyxins B1 and B2 are considered major components. These related components are structurally identical except for a different fatty acid group on each fraction. Results from in vitro studies have shown marginal differences in MIC data when comparing the fractions.

Mechanism of Polymyxin B’s Bactericidal Effects is as below: Polymyxin B binds to the cell membrane and alters its structure, making it more permeable. The resulting water uptake leads to cell death of bacteria. Polymyxin B is a cationic basic peptide that acts like detergent.

Polymyxin B can be used for urinary tract infections and meningitis as it exerts bactericidal effects against almost all Gram-negative bacilli except the Proteus and Neisseria genera.