Dalbavancin has a spectrum and mechanism of action similar to vancomycin, a naturally formed glycopeptide antimicrobial. The bactericidal action of dalbavancin results primarily from inhibition of cell-wall biosynthesis. Specifically, dalbavancin prevents incorporation of N-acetylmuramic acid (NAM)- and N-acetylglucosamine (NAG)-peptide subunits from being incorporated into the peptidoglycan matrix; which forms the major structural component of Gram-positive cell walls. The large hydrophilic molecule is able to form hydrogen bond interactions with the terminal D-alanyl-D-alanine moieties of the NAM/NAG-peptides, which is normally a five-point interaction.