This chapter briefly reviews the progress that has been made in understanding the key chemical, microbiological and pharmacological properties of the polymyxins since they were resurrected for clinical use around the start of the current century. Discussed are some of the key outcomes of the first three international conferences on the poymyxins, including publication of a consensus statement on a framework for redevelopment of these last-line antibiotics and international consensus guidelines for their optimal use in patients.
Keywords: Colistin; Consensus statements and guidelines; Polymyxin B; Polymyxins; Progress in understanding how to use in patients.