A novel class of tetracyclic indolines was discovered in a β-lactam potentiator screen in MRSA. The compound selectively potentiates β-lactams but not any other classes of antibiotics. This novel class of compounds does not have antibacterial activity on its own, nor directly inhibit the β-lactamase activity. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) study identified a more potent analogue with reduced mammalian cell toxicity.