The review brings the status of research into DNA gyrase inhibitors up to date. Structure-activity relationships in both coumarin antibiotics, like novobiocin or coumermycins, and quinolones are discussed. In this section dealing wigh the quinolones, promising drugs under further evaluation are pointed out. Recently discovered new types of DNA gyrase inhibitors, i.e. tetramic derivatives and biphenyl dicarboxylic acid monoamides, are also briefly mentioned. © 1990.