A Phase II Prospective, Open Label, Randomized, Active-controlled, Parallel Group, Multi-center 'Proof of Concept' Trial in Adult Patients With Complicated Skin or Skin Structure Infections Requiring Hospitalization.

This 3 arm study will compare the efficacy and safety of beta-lactam with that of 'standard care' in patients with complicated skin and skin structure infections requiring hospitalization. Patients will be randomized to receive 1)beta-lactam 750mg iv q8h 2)beta-lactam 1500mg iv q8h or 3)'standard care' \[PRP (nafcillin or flucloxacillin) or vancomycin, plus aztreonam or ciprofloxacin\]. The anticipated time on study treatment is \<3 months and the target sample size is 100-500 individuals.