The number of those in the cervical region, however, is only rarely changed, while that in the coccygeal region varies most. One study of 908 human adults found 43 individuals with 23 pre-sacral vertebrae (4.7%), 826 individuals with 24 pre-sacral vertebrae (91%), and 39 with 25 pre-sacral vertebrae (4.3%).There are ligaments extending the length of the column at the front and the back, and in between the vertebrae joining the spinous processes, the transverse processes and the vertebral laminae. Vertebrae
The vertebrae in the human vertebral column is divided into different regions, which correspond to the curves of the vertebral column. The articulating vertebrae are named according to their region of the spine. Vertebrae in these regions are essentially alike, with minor variation. These regions are called the cervical spine, thoracic spine, lumbar spine, sacrum, and coccyx. There are seven cervical vertebrae, twelve thoracic vertebrae, and five lumbar vertebrae. The number of vertebrae in a region can vary but overall the number remains the same. The number of those in the cervical region, however, is only rarely changed. The vertebrae of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spines are independent bones and generally quite similar. The vertebrae of the sacrum and coccyx are usually fused and unable to move independently. Two special vertebrae are the atlas and axis, on which the head rests. A typical vertebra consists of two parts: the vertebral body and the vertebral arch. The vertebral arch is posterior, meaning it faces the back of a person.
Among these "companions" drugs, fosfomycin displayed (in vitro and in vivo) synergistic activity when administered together with oritavancin against VRE strains (both vanA and vanB). Spectrum of Activity
Oritavancin is active against gram-positive aerobic bacteria such as enterococci, staphylococci, streptococci, and anaerobic bacteria such as Clostridium difficile , Clostridium perfringens , Peptostreptococcus spp. , and Propionibacterium acnes. Oritavancins spectrum of activity shows similarities to vancomycin, but with lower minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC). Clinical trials
In 2003, results were presented from two pivotal phase-III clinical trials testing the efficacy of daily intravenous oritavancin for the treatment of acute bacterial skin and skin-structure infections (ABSSSI) caused by Gram-positive bacteria. The primary endpoints of both studies were met, with oritavancin achieving efficacy with fewer days of therapy than the comparator agents vancomycin followed by cephalexin. Oritavancin showed a statistically significant improved safety profile with a 19% relative reduction in the overall incidence of adverse events versus vancomycin/cephalexin  in the second and larger pivotal trial.Osteomyelitis remains a formidable foe in an era of increasing incidence of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) with limited guidance for treatment optimization. The success observed in many patients suggests multi-dose oritavancin may prove advantageous for chronic osteomyelitis but further research is needed to define the optimal dose and frequency of oritavancin for the treatment of chronic osteomyelitis. History
Originally discovered and developed by Eli Lilly, oritavancin was acquired by InterMune in 2001 and then by Targanta Therapeutics in late 2005.