A series of novel hexacyclic tetracycline analogues ("hexacyclines") was designed, synthesized, and evaluated for antibacterial activity against a wide range of clinically important bacteria isolates, including multidrug-resistant, Gram-negative pathogens. Valuable structure-activity relationships were identified, and several hexacyclines displayed potent, broad spectrum antibacterial activity, including promising anti-Pseudomonas aeruginosa activity in vitro and in vivo.