Novobiocin is an antibiotic compound derived from Streptomyces niveus. It has a chemical structure similar to coumarin. Novobiocin binds to DNA gyrase and blocks adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) activity. (From Reynolds, Martindale The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 30th ed, p189) Novobiocin sodium, a salt form of novobiocin, was initially approved in September 1964 and was indicated for the treatment of serious infections due to susceptible strains of Staphylococcus aureus when other less toxic antibiotics cannot be used. In 2009, the FDA determined novobiocin sodium was withdrawn from sale for reasons of safety or effectiveness.