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Clarke F, Grenfell A, Chao S, Richards H, Korman T, Rogers B. Use of echinocandin outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy for the treatment of infection caused by Candida spp.: utilization, outcomes and impact of a change to weekly dosing. J Antimicrob Chemother 2024:dkae302. [PMID: 39259571 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkae302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) can deliver extended parenteral treatment of fungal infections in an ambulatory setting, whilst minimizing treatment burden and cost. The extended dosing interval of rezafungin may potentiate the benefits of OPAT. METHODS This retrospective cohort study includes all adult patients who received echinocandin therapy in a large OPAT programme between 2012 and 2022. Patient characteristics, treatment and outcomes were studied. Data were analysed to determine the effects of replacing daily dosing with weekly dosing of echinocandin. RESULTS Across the study period, 11% (44/386) of all patients in our Health Service treated with ≥7 days of echinocandin were managed via OPAT. All were Candida and related 'yeast-like' species infections. Nakaseomyces glabrata (20/41; 49%) was the most common pathogen, fungaemia the most common presentation (17/41; 41%) and azole resistance the most frequent indication for echinocandin use (21/41; 51%).In total, 633 days of echinocandin were administered as OPAT. Thirteen patients (13/41; 32%) received concurrent parenteral antibacterials. Treatment success was achieved in 30/41 (73%) patients. If daily echinocandin dosing was replaced with weekly dosing, a potential 52% (633 to 326) reduction in the total number of treatments (for any therapy) delivered by the OPAT team is possible. The ongoing need for daily antibacterial administration mitigated the benefit in some of this cohort. CONCLUSIONS Echinocandin therapy can be safely delivered via OPAT with outcomes equivalent to bed-based care. The extended dosing interval of rezafungin will allow for a substantial reduction in the number of treatments required across the patient cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Clarke
- Monash Infectious Diseases, Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Sarah Chao
- Pharmacy Department, Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Helen Richards
- Hospital in the Home, Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tony Korman
- Monash Infectious Diseases, Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Microbiology, Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Centre for Inflammatory Diseases, Monash University School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Benjamin Rogers
- Monash Infectious Diseases, Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Hospital in the Home, Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Centre for Inflammatory Diseases, Monash University School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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2
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August BA, Kale-Pradhan PB. Management of invasive candidiasis: A focus on rezafungin, ibrexafungerp, and fosmanogepix. Pharmacotherapy 2024; 44:467-479. [PMID: 38721866 DOI: 10.1002/phar.2926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Management of invasive fungal infections is challenging with growing antifungal resistance. Broad antifungal use has resulted in greater intrinsic and acquired resistance among Candida spp. It is important for clinicians to recognize the relationship between host susceptibility, site of infection, Candida resistance profiles, specific drug pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, and the role of novel antifungal agents. This narrative review covers the role of rezafungin, ibrexafungerp, and fosmanogepix in the management of invasive candidiasis (IC). The PubMed Database, Embase, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched between January 2006 and January 2024 using the following terms: rezafungin, CD101, ibrexafungerp, SCY-078, fosmanogepix, APX001, candidemia, and invasive candidiasis. Review articles, prospective clinical trials, and observational studies published in the English language were reviewed. Studies evaluating pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety in animals and humans were also reviewed. Promising data continues to emerge in support of novel drug therapies for IC and candidemia. Rezafungin possesses a unique pharmacodynamic profile that might be advantageous compared to other echinocandins, with a practical, once-weekly dosing interval. Ibrexafungerp, currently approved for vulvovaginal candidiasis, has been studied off-label for use in IC and candidemia, and initial data is encouraging. Lastly, fosmanogepix, a mechanistically novel, investigational antifungal agent, may be a potential future option in the management of IC and candidemia. Future research is needed to evaluate the potential use of these agents among diverse patient populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin A August
- Department of Pharmacy Services, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Science, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Pramodini B Kale-Pradhan
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Science, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Pharmacy Services, Ascension St. John Hospital, Detroit, Michigan, USA
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3
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Kumar V, Huang J, Dong Y, Hao GF. Targeting Fks1 proteins for novel antifungal drug discovery. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2024; 45:366-384. [PMID: 38493014 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2024.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Fungal infections are a major threat to human health. The limited availability of antifungal drugs, the emergence of drug resistance, and a growing susceptible population highlight the critical need for novel antifungal agents. The enzymes involved in fungal cell wall synthesis offer potential targets for antifungal drug development. Recent studies have enhanced our focus on the enzyme Fks1, which synthesizes β-1,3-glucan, a critical component of the cell wall. These studies provide a deeper understanding of Fks1's function in cell wall biosynthesis, pathogenicity, structural biology, evolutionary conservation across fungi, and interaction with current antifungal drugs. Here, we discuss the role of Fks1 in the survival and adaptation of fungi, guided by insights from evolutionary and structural analyses. Furthermore, we delve into the dynamics of Fks1 modulation with novel antifungal strategies and assess its potential as an antifungal drug target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinit Kumar
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for Research and Development of Fine Chemicals, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, PR China; BMLT, Markham College of Commerce, Vinoba Bhave University, Hazaribagh, Jharkhand 825301, India
| | - Juan Huang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, PR China
| | - Yawen Dong
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, PR China.
| | - Ge-Fei Hao
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for Research and Development of Fine Chemicals, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, PR China; National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, PR China.
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4
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Sreelakshmi KP, Madhuri M, Swetha R, Rangarajan V, Roy U. Microbial lipopeptides: their pharmaceutical and biotechnological potential, applications, and way forward. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 40:135. [PMID: 38489053 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-024-03908-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
As lead molecules, cyclic lipopeptides with antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties have garnered a lot of attention in recent years. Because of their potential, cyclic lipopeptides have earned recognition as a significant class of antimicrobial compounds with applications in pharmacology and biotechnology. These lipopeptides, often with biosurfactant properties, are amphiphilic, consisting of a hydrophilic moiety, like a carboxyl group, peptide backbone, or carbohydrates, and a hydrophobic moiety, mostly a fatty acid. Besides, several lipopeptides also have cationic groups that play an important role in biological activities. Antimicrobial lipopeptides can be considered as possible substitutes for antibiotics that are conventional to address the current drug-resistant issues as pharmaceutical industries modify the parent antibiotic molecules to render them more effective against antibiotic-resistant bacteria and fungi, leading to the development of more resistant microbial strains. Bacillus species produce lipopeptides, which are secondary metabolites that are amphiphilic and are typically synthesized by non-ribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs). They have been identified as potential biocontrol agents as they exhibit a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity. A further benefit of lipopeptides is that they can be produced and purified biotechnologically or biochemically in a sustainable manner using readily available, affordable, renewable sources without harming the environment. In this review, we discuss the biochemical and functional characterization of antifungal lipopeptides, as well as their various modes of action, method of production and purification (in brief), and potential applications as novel antibiotic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- K P Sreelakshmi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Science-KK Birla Goa Campus Goa, NH 17 B Bypass Rd., Goa, 403726, India
| | - M Madhuri
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Science-KK Birla Goa Campus Goa, NH 17 B Bypass Rd., Goa, 403726, India
| | - R Swetha
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Science-KK Birla Goa Campus Goa, NH 17 B Bypass Rd., Goa, 403726, India
| | - Vivek Rangarajan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Birla Institute of Technology and Science-KK Birla Goa Campus Goa, NH 17 B Bypass Rd., Goa, 403726, India
| | - Utpal Roy
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Science-KK Birla Goa Campus Goa, NH 17 B Bypass Rd., Goa, 403726, India.
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5
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Wang S, Pan J, Gu L, Wang W, Wei B, Zhang H, Chen J, Wang H. Review of treatment options for a multidrug-resistant fungus: Candida auris. Med Mycol 2024; 62:myad127. [PMID: 38066698 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myad127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Candida auris is a widely distributed, highly lethal, multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen. It was first identified in 2009 when it was isolated from fluid drained from the external ear canal of a patient in Japan. Since then, it has caused infectious outbreaks in over 45 countries, with mortality rates approaching 60%. Drug resistance is common in this species, with a large proportion of isolates displaying fluconazole resistance and nearly half are resistant to two or more antifungal drugs. In this review, we describe the drug resistance mechanism of C. auris and potential small-molecule drugs for treating C. auris infection. Among these antifungal agents, rezafungin was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of candidemia and invasive candidiasis on March 22, 2023. Ibrexafungerp and fosmanogepix have entered phase III clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siqi Wang
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of TCM for Innovative R&D and Digital Intelligent Manufacturing of TCM Great Health Products, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiangwei Pan
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of TCM for Innovative R&D and Digital Intelligent Manufacturing of TCM Great Health Products, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Liting Gu
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of TCM for Innovative R&D and Digital Intelligent Manufacturing of TCM Great Health Products, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wei Wang
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of TCM for Innovative R&D and Digital Intelligent Manufacturing of TCM Great Health Products, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bin Wei
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of TCM for Innovative R&D and Digital Intelligent Manufacturing of TCM Great Health Products, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Huawei Zhang
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of TCM for Innovative R&D and Digital Intelligent Manufacturing of TCM Great Health Products, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianwei Chen
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of TCM for Innovative R&D and Digital Intelligent Manufacturing of TCM Great Health Products, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hong Wang
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of TCM for Innovative R&D and Digital Intelligent Manufacturing of TCM Great Health Products, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
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Jiang K, Luo P, Wang X, Lu L. Insight into advances for the biosynthetic progress of fermented echinocandins of antifungals. Microb Biotechnol 2024; 17:e14359. [PMID: 37885073 PMCID: PMC10832530 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.14359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Invasive fungal infections have increased remarkably, which have become unprecedented concern to human health. However, the effectiveness of current antifungal drugs is limited due to drug resistance and toxic side-effects. It is urgently required to establish the effective biosynthetic strategy for developing novel and safe antifungal molecules economically. Echinocandins become a promising option as a mainstay family of antifungals, due to specifically targeting the fungal specific cell wall. To date, three kinds of echinocandins for caspofungin, anidulafungin, and micafungin, which derived from pneumocandin B0 , echinocandin B, and FR901379, are commercially available in clinic and have shown potential in managing invasive fungal infections in a cost-effective manner. However, current echinocandins-derived precursors all are produced by environmental fungal isolates with long fermentation cycle and low yields, which challenge the production efficacy of these precursors in industry. Therefore, understanding their biosynthetic machinery is of great importance for improving antifungal titres and creating new echinocandins-derived products. With the development of genome-wide sequencing and establishment of gene-editing technology, there are a growing number of reports on echinocandins-derived products and their biosynthetic gene clusters. This review briefly summarizes the discovery and development history of echinocandins, compares their structural characteristics and biosynthetic processes, and sums up existed strategies for improving their production. Moreover, the genomic analysis of related biosynthetic gene clusters of echinocandins is discussed, highlighting the similarities and differences among the clusters. Last, the biosynthetic processes of echinocandins are compared, focusing on the activation and attachment of side-chains and the formation of the hexapeptide core. This review aims to provide insights into the development and production of new echinocandin drugs by modifying the structure of echinocandin-derived precursors and/or optimizing the fermentation processes; and achieve a new microbial chassis for efficient production of echinocandins in heterologous hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaili Jiang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Microbes and Functional Genomics, Jiangsu, Engineering and Technology Research Center for Microbiology, College of Life SciencesNanjing Normal UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Pan Luo
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Microbes and Functional Genomics, Jiangsu, Engineering and Technology Research Center for Microbiology, College of Life SciencesNanjing Normal UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Xinxin Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Microbes and Functional Genomics, Jiangsu, Engineering and Technology Research Center for Microbiology, College of Life SciencesNanjing Normal UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Ling Lu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Microbes and Functional Genomics, Jiangsu, Engineering and Technology Research Center for Microbiology, College of Life SciencesNanjing Normal UniversityNanjingChina
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7
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Roy M, Karhana S, Shamsuzzaman M, Khan MA. Recent drug development and treatments for fungal infections. Braz J Microbiol 2023; 54:1695-1716. [PMID: 37219748 PMCID: PMC10484882 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-023-00999-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections are now becoming a hazard to individuals which has paved the way for research to expand the therapeutic options available. Recent advances in drug design and compound screening have also increased the pace of the development of antifungal drugs. Although several novel potential molecules are reported, those discoveries have yet to be translated from bench to bedside. Polyenes, azoles, echinocandins, and flucytosine are among the few antifungal agents that are available for the treatment of fungal infections, but such conventional therapies show certain limitations like toxicity, drug interactions, and the development of resistance which limits the utility of existing antifungals, contributing to significant mortality and morbidity. This review article focuses on the existing therapies, the challenges associated with them, and the development of new therapies, including the ongoing and recent clinical trials, for the treatment of fungal infections. Advancements in antifungal treatment: a graphical overview of drug development, adverse effects, and future prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhura Roy
- Centre for Translational & Clinical Research, School of Chemical and Life Sciences, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, 110062, India
| | - Sonali Karhana
- Centre for Translational & Clinical Research, School of Chemical and Life Sciences, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, 110062, India
| | - Md Shamsuzzaman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Shaqra University, Sahqra, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohd Ashif Khan
- Centre for Translational & Clinical Research, School of Chemical and Life Sciences, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, 110062, India.
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8
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Flanagan S, Walker H, Ong V, Sandison T. Absence of Clinically Meaningful Drug-Drug Interactions with Rezafungin: Outcome of Investigations. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0133923. [PMID: 37154682 PMCID: PMC10269561 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01339-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Rezafungin is a novel once-weekly echinocandin for intravenous injection currently in development for the treatment of Candida infections and the prevention of Candida, Aspergillus, and Pneumocystis infections in allogeneic blood and marrow transplant recipients. While in vitro data indicated that rezafungin exposure was unlikely to be affected by commonly prescribed medicines, interactions resulting in the altered systemic exposure of some drugs coadministered with rezafungin could not be excluded. Two phase 1 open label crossover studies, conducted in healthy subjects, examined drug interactions between rezafungin and multiple drug probe cytochrome P450 (CYP) substrates and/or transporter proteins, immunosuppressants, and cancer therapies. Statistical analysis compared the outcomes for drugs coadministered with rezafungin to those for the drugs administered alone. The geometric mean ratio was reported, and a default 90% confidence interval (CI) no-effect equivalence range of 80 to 125% was used for the maximal plasma concentration (Cmax), the area under the curve from time zero to the final sampling time point (AUC0-t), and the AUC from time zero to infinity (AUC0-∞). Most probes and concomitant drugs were within the equivalence range. For tacrolimus, ibrutinib, mycophenolic acid, and venetoclax, the AUC or Cmax was reduced (10 to 19%), with lower bounds of the 90% CI values falling outside the no-effect range. The rosuvastatin AUC and Cmax and the repaglinide AUC0-∞ were increased (12 to 16%), with the 90% CI being marginally above the upper bound. Overall, the in vitro and in vivo data demonstrated a low drug interaction potential with rezafungin via CYP substrate/transporter pathways and commonly prescribed comedications, suggesting that coadministration was unlikely to result in clinically significant effects. Treatment-emergent adverse events were typically mild, and rezafungin was generally well tolerated. IMPORTANCE Antifungal agents used to treat life-threatening infections are often associated with severe drug-drug interactions (DDIs) that may limit their usefulness. Rezafungin, a newly approved once-weekly echinocandin, has been shown to be free of DDIs based on extensive nonclinical and clinical testing described in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Voon Ong
- Cidara Therapeutics, Inc., San Diego, California, USA
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9
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Fridman M, Sakurai K. Deciphering the Biological Activities of Antifungal Agents with Chemical Probes. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202211927. [PMID: 36628503 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202211927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The growing number of fungal infections caused by pathogens resistant to one or more classes of antifungal drugs emphasizes the threat that these microorganisms pose to animal and human health and global food security. Open questions remain regarding the mechanisms of action of the limited repertoire of antifungal agents, making it challenging to rationally develop more efficacious therapeutics. In recent years, the use of chemical biology approaches has resolved some of these questions and has provided new promising concepts to guide the design of antifungal agents. By focusing on examples from studies carried out in recent years, this minireview describes the key roles that probes based on antifungal agents and their derivatives have played in uncovering details about their activities, in detecting resistance, and in characterizing the interactions between these agents and their targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Micha Fridman
- School of Chemistry, Raymond & Beverly Sackler Faculty of Exact Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
| | - Kaori Sakurai
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 4-24-16, Naka-cho, Koganei-shi, Tokyo, 184-8588, Japan
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10
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Armstrong‐James D. Antifungal chemotherapies and immunotherapies for the future. Parasite Immunol 2023; 45:e12960. [PMID: 36403106 PMCID: PMC10078527 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Human fungal pathogens cause a broad plethora of infections, spanning cutaneous dermatophytoses to invasive infections in immunocompromised hosts. As eukaryotic pathogens are capable of morphotype switching, they present unique challenges both for drug development and the immunological response. Whilst current antifungal therapies are limited to the orally available triazoles, intravenous echonocandins and polyenes, and flucytosine and terbinafine, there has been recent significant progress in the antifungal armamentorium with ibrexafungerp, a novel orally available terpanoid that inhibits 1,3-beta-D-glucan-approved by Food and Drug Administration in 2021, and fosmanogepix, an orally available pro-drug of manogepix, which targets glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored protein maturation entering Phase 3 studies for candidaemia. A number of further candidates are in development. There has been significant use of existing immunotherapies such as recombinant interferon-γ and G-CSF for fungal disease in immunocompromised patients, and there are emerging opportunities for monoclonal antibodies targeting TH2 inflammation. Omalizumab, an anti-IgE monoclonal antibody in asthma, is now used routinely for the treatment of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, and further agents targeting IL-4 and IL-5 are being evaluated. In addition, T-cell CAR therapy is showing early promise for fungal disease. Thus, we are likely to see rapid advances to our approach to the management of fungal disease in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darius Armstrong‐James
- Department of Infectious DiseasesMedical Research Council Centre for Molecular Bacteriology and Infection, Imperial College LondonLondonUK
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Punia A, Choudhary P, Sharma N, Dahiya S, Gulia P, Chhillar AK. Therapeutic Approaches for Combating Aspergillus Associated Infection. Curr Drug Targets 2022; 23:1465-1488. [PMID: 35748549 DOI: 10.2174/1389450123666220623164548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Now-a-days fungal infection emerges as a significant problem to healthcare management systems due to high frequency of associated morbidity, mortality toxicity, drug-drug interactions, and resistance of the antifungal agents. Aspergillus is the most common mold that cause infection in immunocompromised hosts. It's a hyaline mold that is cosmopolitan and ubiquitous in nature. Aspergillus infects around 10 million population each year with a mortality rate of 30-90%. Clinically available antifungal formulations are restricted to four classes (i.e., polyene, triazole, echinocandin, and allylamine), and each of them have their own limitations associated with the activity spectrum, the emergence of resistance, and toxicity. Consequently, novel antifungal agents with modified and altered chemical structures are required to combat these invasive fungal infections. To overcome these limitations, there is an urgent need for new antifungal agents that can act as potent drugs in near future. Currently, some compounds have shown effective antifungal activity. In this review article, we have discussed all potential antifungal therapies that contain old antifungal drugs, combination therapies, and recent novel antifungal formulations, with a focus on the Aspergillus associated infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aruna Punia
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana 124001, India
| | - Pooja Choudhary
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana 124001, India
| | - Namita Sharma
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana 124001, India
| | - Sweety Dahiya
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana 124001, India
| | - Prity Gulia
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana 124001, India
| | - Anil K Chhillar
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana 124001, India
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Sun B, Luo C, Bills GF, Li J, Huang P, Wang L, Jiang X, Chen AJ. Four New Species of Aspergillus Subgenus Nidulantes from China. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:1205. [PMID: 36422028 PMCID: PMC9697824 DOI: 10.3390/jof8111205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus subgenus Nidulantes includes species with emericella-like ascomata and asexual species. Subgenus Nidulantes is the second largest subgenus of Aspergillus and consists of nine sections. In this study, agricultural soils were sampled from 12 provinces and autonomous regions in China. Based on primary BLAST analyses, seven of 445 Aspergillus isolates showed low similarity with existing species. A polyphasic investigation, including phylogenetic analysis of partial ITS, β-tubulin, calmodulin, and RNA polymerase II second largest subunit genes, provided evidence that these isolates were distributed among four new species (Aspergillus guangdongensis, A. guangxiensis, A. sichuanensis and A. tibetensis) in sections Aenei, Ochraceorosei, and Sparsi of subgenus Nidulantes. Illustrated morphological descriptions are provided for each new taxon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingda Sun
- China General Microbiological Culture Collection Centre, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Chunling Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry and Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Environmental Pollution and Control, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Gerald F. Bills
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77054, USA
| | - Jibing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry and Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Environmental Pollution and Control, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Panpan Huang
- Microbiome Research Center, Moon (Guangzhou) Biotech Ltd., Guangzhou 510535, China
| | - Lin Wang
- Microbiome Research Center, Moon (Guangzhou) Biotech Ltd., Guangzhou 510535, China
| | - Xianzhi Jiang
- Microbiome Research Center, Moon (Guangzhou) Biotech Ltd., Guangzhou 510535, China
| | - Amanda Juan Chen
- Microbiome Research Center, Moon (Guangzhou) Biotech Ltd., Guangzhou 510535, China
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13
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Jo J, Tran TT, Beyda ND, Simmons D, Hendrickson JA, Almutairi MS, Alnezary FS, Gonzales-Luna AJ, Septimus EJ, Garey KW. Development of the invasive candidiasis discharge [I Can discharge] model: a mixed methods analysis. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2022; 41:1207-1213. [PMID: 36002777 PMCID: PMC9489576 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-022-04473-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Patients with invasive candidiasis (IC) have complex medical and infectious disease problems that often require continued care after discharge. This study aimed to assess echinocandin use at hospital discharge and develop a transition of care (TOC) model to facilitate discharge for patients with IC. This was a mixed method study design that used epidemiologic assessment to better understand echinocandin use at hospital discharge TOC. Using grounded theory methodology focused on patients given echinocandins during their last day of hospitalization, a TOC model for patients with IC, the invasive candidiasis [I Can] discharge model was developed to better understand discharge barriers. A total of 33% (1405/4211) echinocandin courses were continued until the last day of hospitalization. Of 536 patients chosen for in-depth review, 220 (41%) were discharged home, 109 (20%) were transferred, and 207 (39%) died prior to discharge. Almost half (46%, 151/329) of patients discharged alive received outpatient echinocandin therapy. Independent predictors for outpatient echinocandin use were osteomyelitis (OR, 4.1; 95% CI, 1.1-15.7; p = 0.04), other deep-seated infection (OR, 4.4; 95% CI, 1.7-12.0; p = 0.003), and non-home discharge location (OR, 3.9, 95% CI, 2.0-7.7; p < 0.001). The I Can discharge model was developed encompassing four distinct themes which was used to identify potential barriers to discharge. Significant echinocadin use occurs at hospital discharge TOC. The I Can discharge model may help clinical, policy, and research decision-making processes to facilitate smoother and earlier hospital discharges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhee Jo
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Translational Research, University of Houston College of Pharmacy, 4349 Martin Luther King Blvd, Health 2, Houston, TX, 77204, USA
| | - Truc T Tran
- University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Nicholas D Beyda
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Translational Research, University of Houston College of Pharmacy, 4349 Martin Luther King Blvd, Health 2, Houston, TX, 77204, USA
| | - Debora Simmons
- School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, USA
| | | | - Masaad Saeed Almutairi
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Translational Research, University of Houston College of Pharmacy, 4349 Martin Luther King Blvd, Health 2, Houston, TX, 77204, USA.,Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Qassim, Saudi Arabia
| | - Faris S Alnezary
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Translational Research, University of Houston College of Pharmacy, 4349 Martin Luther King Blvd, Health 2, Houston, TX, 77204, USA.,Department of Clinical and Hospital Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taibah University, Medinah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Anne J Gonzales-Luna
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Translational Research, University of Houston College of Pharmacy, 4349 Martin Luther King Blvd, Health 2, Houston, TX, 77204, USA
| | - Edward J Septimus
- Department of Population Medicine Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Texas A&M College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kevin W Garey
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Translational Research, University of Houston College of Pharmacy, 4349 Martin Luther King Blvd, Health 2, Houston, TX, 77204, USA.
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14
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Domingos EL, Vilhena RO, Santos JMMF, Fachi MM, Böger B, Adam LM, Tonin FS, Pontarolo R. Comparative efficacy and safety of systemic antifungal agents for candidemia: a systematic review with network meta-analysis and multicriteria acceptability analyses. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2022; 60:106614. [PMID: 35691603 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2022.106614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
AIM Invasive candidiasis is the most common fungal infection in patients attending health services and is associated with high mortality rates and prolonged hospital stay. The aim of this review was to evaluate and compare efficacy and safety of antifungal agents for the treatment of candidemia. METHODS A systematic review with network meta-analysis (NMA), surface under the cumulative ranking analysis (SUCRA) and stochastic multicriteria acceptability analyses (SMAA) was performed (PROSPERO-CRD42020149264). Searches were conducted in PubMed and Scopus (Nov-2021). Randomised controlled trials evaluating the effect of oral antifungals (any dose or regimen) on mycological cure, discontinuation rates and adverse events were included. RESULTS Overall, 13 trials (n=3632) were analysed. There were no significant differences between therapies for the efficacy outcomes; however, caspofungin (50-150 mg), rezafungin (200-400 mg) and micafungin (100-150 mg) had higher rates of clinical and mycological responses (SUCRA overall response >60%) and were considered the most promising therapies. Fluconazole (400 mg) rated worst for overall response (17%). Rezafungin (200-400 mg) and micafungin (100 mg) were associated with lower discontinuation rates (<40%). Conventional amphotericin B (0.6-0.7 mg/kg) was more likely to be discontinued (odds ratio [OR] 0.08; 95% credibility interval [CrI] 0.00-0.95 vs. caspofungin 150 mg) and may impair liver function (87%). CONCLUSION Echinocandins are recommended as first-line treatments for invasive candidiasis following a priority order of caspofungin then micafungin. Rezafungin, an echinocandin under development, represents a potential option that should be further investigated. Azoles and liposomal amphotericin B can be used as second-line treatments in cases of fungal resistance or hypersensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric L Domingos
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Postgraduate Program, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil.
| | - Raquel O Vilhena
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Postgraduate Program, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil.
| | - Josiane M M F Santos
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Postgraduate Program, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil.
| | - Mariana M Fachi
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Postgraduate Program, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil.
| | - Beatriz Böger
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Postgraduate Program, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil.
| | - Livia M Adam
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Postgraduate Program, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil.
| | - Fernanda S Tonin
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Postgraduate Program, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil; H&TRC- Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL- Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Roberto Pontarolo
- Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil.
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15
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Jaber QZ, Logviniuk D, Yona A, Fridman M. Echinocandins Localized to the Target-Harboring Cell Surface Are Not Degraded but Those Entering the Vacuole Are. ACS Chem Biol 2022; 17:1155-1163. [PMID: 35404573 PMCID: PMC9127807 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.2c00060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Echinocandin antifungal drugs have a broad spectrum of activities and excellent safety profiles. These agents noncompetitively inhibit the formation of the major polysaccharide component of the fungal cell wall, a reaction catalyzed by the membrane-bound β-glucan synthase (GS) protein complex. We have developed fluorescent probes of three echinocandin drugs: caspofungin (CSF), anidulafungin (ANF), and rezafungin (RZF). Fluorescent echinocandins had the same spectrum of activities as the parent echinocandins, supporting the fact that conjugation of the dye did not alter their mode of action. Of the three echinocandins, ANF has the most potent in vitro activity. Investigation of the subcellular distribution of the fluorescent echinocandins in live Candida yeast cells revealed that despite their high structural similarity, each of the drug probes had a unique subcellular distribution pattern. Fluorescent CSF, which is the least potent of the three echinocandins, accumulated in Candida vacuoles; fluorescent ANF localized in the extracellular environment and on the yeast cell surface where the target GS resides; and fluorescent RZF was partitioned between the surface and the vacuole over time. Recovery of fluorescent CSF from Candida cells revealed substantial degradation over time; functional vacuoles were necessary for this degradation. Under the same conditions, fluorescent ANF was not degraded. This study supports the "target-oriented drug subcellular localization" principle. In the case of echinocandins, localization to the cell surface can contribute to improved potency and accumulation in vacuoles induces degradation leading to drug deactivation.
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16
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Abstract
Invasive fungal diseases due to resistant yeasts and molds are an important and increasing public health threat, likely due to a growing population of immunosuppressed hosts, increases in antifungal resistance, and improvements in laboratory diagnostics. The significant morbidity and mortality associated with these pathogens bespeaks the urgent need for novel safe and effective therapeutics. This review highlights promising investigational antifungal agents in clinical phases of development: fosmanogepix, ibrexafungerp, rezafungin, encochleated amphotericin B, oteseconazole (VT-1161), VT-1598, PC945, and olorofim. We discuss three first-in-class members of three novel antifungal classes, as well as new agents within existing antifungal classes with improved safety and tolerability profiles due to enhanced pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha E Jacobs
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10029-5674, USA
| | - Panagiotis Zagaliotis
- Transplantation-Oncology Infectious Diseases Program, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Thomas J Walsh
- Transplantation-Oncology Infectious Diseases Program, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA.,Departments Pediatrics and Microbiology & Immunology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
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17
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Logviniuk D, Jaber QZ, Dobrovetsky R, Kozer N, Ksiezopolska E, Gabaldón T, Carmeli S, Fridman M. Benzylic Dehydroxylation of Echinocandin Antifungal Drugs Restores Efficacy against Resistance Conferred by Mutated Glucan Synthase. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:5965-5975. [PMID: 35347986 PMCID: PMC8991007 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c00269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Each year, infections caused by fungal pathogens claim the lives of about 1.6 million people and affect the health of over a billion people worldwide. Among the most recently developed antifungal drugs are the echinocandins, which noncompetitively inhibit β-glucan synthase, a membrane-bound protein complex that catalyzes the formation of the main polysaccharide component of the fungal cell wall. Resistance to echinocandins is conferred by mutations in FKS genes, which encode the catalytic subunit of the β-glucan synthase complex. Here, we report that selective removal of the benzylic alcohol of the nonproteinogenic amino acid 3S,4S-dihydroxy-l-homotyrosine of the echinocandins anidulafungin and rezafungin, restored their efficacy against a large panel of echinocandin-resistant Candida strains. The dehydroxylated compounds did not significantly affect the viability of human-derived cell culture lines. An analysis of the efficacy of the dehydroxylated echinocandins against resistant Candida strains, which contain mutations in the FKS1 and/or FKS2 genes of the parental strains, identified amino acids of the Fks proteins that are likely to reside in proximity to the l-homotyrosine residue of the bound drug. This study describes the first example of a chemical modification strategy to restore the efficacy of echinocandin drugs, which have a critical place in the arsenal of antifungal drugs, against resistant fungal pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Logviniuk
- School of Chemistry, Raymond & Beverly Sackler Faculty of Exact Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Qais Z Jaber
- School of Chemistry, Raymond & Beverly Sackler Faculty of Exact Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Roman Dobrovetsky
- School of Chemistry, Raymond & Beverly Sackler Faculty of Exact Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Noga Kozer
- The Wohl Drug Discovery institute of the Nancy and Stephen Grand Israel National Center for Personalized Medicine, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Ewa Ksiezopolska
- Barcelona Supercomputing Centre (BSC-CNS), Jordi Girona, 29, Barcelona 08034, Spain.,Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Baldiri Reixac, 10, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Toni Gabaldón
- Barcelona Supercomputing Centre (BSC-CNS), Jordi Girona, 29, Barcelona 08034, Spain.,Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Baldiri Reixac, 10, Barcelona 08028, Spain.,Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Passeig de Lluís Companys, 23, Barcelona 08010, Spain.,Centro Investigación Biomédica En Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Shmuel Carmeli
- School of Chemistry, Raymond & Beverly Sackler Faculty of Exact Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Micha Fridman
- School of Chemistry, Raymond & Beverly Sackler Faculty of Exact Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
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18
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Perrine-Walker F. Caspofungin resistance in Candida albicans: genetic factors and synergistic compounds for combination therapies. Braz J Microbiol 2022; 53:1101-1113. [PMID: 35352319 PMCID: PMC9433586 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-022-00739-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Caspofungin and other echinocandins have been used for the treatment of human infections by the opportunistic yeast pathogen, Candida albicans. There has been an increase in infections by non-albicans Candida species such as Candida glabrata, Candida parapsilosis, Candida tropicalis, Candida krusei, and Candida auris in clinical or hospital settings. This is problematic to public health due to the increasing prevalence of echinocandin resistant species/strains. This review will present a summary on various studies that investigated the inhibitory action of caspofungin on 1,3-β-D-glucan synthesis, on cell wall structure, and biofilm formation of C. albicans. It will highlight some of the issues linked to caspofungin resistance or reduced caspofungin sensitivity in various Candida species and the potential benefits of antimicrobial peptides and other compounds in synergy with caspofungin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francine Perrine-Walker
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute For Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, 3086, Australia.
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19
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Szymański M, Chmielewska S, Czyżewska U, Malinowska M, Tylicki A. Echinocandins - structure, mechanism of action and use in antifungal therapy. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2022; 37:876-894. [PMID: 35296203 PMCID: PMC8933026 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2022.2050224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
With increasing number of immunocompromised patients as well as drug resistance in fungi, the risk of fatal fungal infections in humans increases as well. The action of echinocandins is based on the inhibition of β-(1,3)-d-glucan synthesis that builds the fungal cell wall. Caspofungin, micafungin, anidulafungin and rezafungin are semi-synthetic cyclic lipopeptides. Their specific chemical structure possess a potential to obtain novel derivatives with better pharmacological properties resulting in more effective treatment, especially in infections caused by Candida and Aspergillus species. In this review we summarise information about echinocandins with closer look on their chemical structure, mechanism of action, drug resistance and usage in clinical practice. We also introduce actual trends in modification of this antifungals as well as new methods of their administration, and additional use in viral and bacterial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Szymański
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Laboratory of Cytobiochemistry, University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Sandra Chmielewska
- Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Urszula Czyżewska
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Laboratory of Cytobiochemistry, University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Marta Malinowska
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Laboratory of Natural Product Chemistry, University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Adam Tylicki
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Laboratory of Cytobiochemistry, University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
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20
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Evaluation of Rezafungin Provisional CLSI Clinical Breakpoints and Epidemiological Cutoff Values Tested against a Worldwide Collection of Contemporaneous Invasive Fungal Isolates (2019 to 2020). J Clin Microbiol 2022; 60:e0244921. [DOI: 10.1128/jcm.02449-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Rezafungin is a new echinocandin under development for the treatment of candidemia and invasive candidiasis. CLSI recently approved provisional susceptible-only breakpoints and epidemiological cutoff values for
Candida
spp. and rezafungin. The activities of rezafungin and comparators against 2019 to 2020 invasive fungal isolates was evaluated by applying the new CLSI breakpoints. Rezafungin demonstrated potent activity against
Candida albicans
(MIC
50
/MIC
90
, 0.03/0.06 mg/L; 100.0% susceptible),
Candida tropicalis
(MIC
50
/MIC
90
, 0.03/0.06 mg/L; 100% susceptible),
Candida glabrata
(MIC
50
/MIC
90
, 0.06/0.06 mg/L; 98.3% susceptible),
Candida krusei
(MIC
50
/MIC
90
, 0.03/0.03 mg/L; 100% susceptible), and
Candida dubliniensis
(MIC
50
/MIC
90
, 0.06/0.12 mg/L; 100% susceptible) when tested by the CLSI broth microdilution method. Rezafungin inhibited 99.6% of
Candida parapsilosis
isolates (MIC
50
/MIC
90
, 1/2 mg/L) at the susceptible breakpoint of ≤2 mg/L. All
C. albicans
,
C. tropicalis
, and
C. krusei
isolates, as well as most
C. glabrata
(96.2% to 97.9%) and
C. parapsilosis
(86.2% to 100%) isolates, were susceptible to comparator echinocandins. Fluconazole resistance was detected among 0.5%, 4.5%, 10.5%, and 1.2% of
C. albicans
,
C. glabrata
,
C. parapsilosis
, and
C. tropicalis
isolates, respectively. All echinocandins displayed limited activity against
Cryptococcus neoformans
. Rezafungin and other echinocandins were active against
Aspergillus fumigatus
(minimum effective concentration for 90% of isolates tested [MEC
90
] range, 0.015 to 0.06 mg/L) and
Aspergillus
section
Flavi
(MEC
90
range, 0.015 to 0.03 mg/L). All but 16 (8.6%)
A. fumigatus
isolates were susceptible to voriconazole, and 100% of
Aspergillus
section
Flavi
isolates were WT to mold-active azoles. When applying the CLSI clinical breakpoints, rezafungin displayed high susceptibility rates (>98.0%) against
Candida
isolates from invasive fungal infections and showed potent activity against
Aspergillus
isolates.
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21
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Antimicrobials and Resistance Part II: Antifungals, Antivirals, and Antiparasitics. J Am Acad Dermatol 2022; 86:1207-1226. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2021.11.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 11/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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22
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Study of antifungal agent caspofungin adsorption to laboratory materials. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2021; 1188:123060. [PMID: 34847516 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2021.123060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Treatment of invasive fungal infections with Caspofungin is used as the first-line antifungal agents. The minimum inhibitory concentration value is a test which indicates the degree of sensitivity of a strain regarding a drug. However, no value of minimum inhibitory concentration for caspofungin is available because very variable value is obtained. In this work, we study the link with the adsorption phenomenon of CSF previously described in literature and the lack of minimum inhibitory concentration value. A systematic study of the impact of different parameters on CSF adsorption is reported. The effect of the nature of container material, the aqueous solution pH and the organic solvent proportion was studied. In addition, the possibility of using a coating agent to minimize the adsorption was assayed and evaluated. Results obtained showed the importance of the material used during the manipulation of CSF. The use of acidic pH aqueous solution or the addition of acetonitrile or methanol proportions (50 % and 70 %, respectively) were found efficient to avoid adsorption of CSF on glassware material, which is the relevant strategy for analytical samples of caspofungin. The treatment of HPLC glass vials and 96-well plates with N-(2-aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane reduced the adsorption. The significant adsorption observed in this work especially with plastic materials, questions the results obtained before in different assays and explained the absence of MIC value.
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23
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Assessment of nonreleasing antifungal surface coatings bearing covalently attached pharmaceuticals. Biointerphases 2021; 16:061001. [PMID: 34794317 DOI: 10.1116/6.0001099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
There are many reports of antimicrobial coatings bearing immobilized active agents on surfaces; however, strong analytical evidence is required to verify that the agents are indeed covalently attached to the surface. In the absence of such evidence, antimicrobial activity could result from a release of active agents. We report a detailed assessment of antifungal surface coatings prepared using covalent attachment chemistries, with the aim of establishing a set of instrumental and biological evidence required to convincingly demonstrate antimicrobial activity due to nonreleasing, surface active compounds and to exclude the alternate possibility of activity due to release. The strongest biological evidence initially supporting permanent antifungal activity was the demonstration of the ability to reuse samples in multiple, sequential pathogen challenges. However, additional supporting evidence from washing studies and instrumental analysis is also required to probe the possibility of gradual desorption of strongly physisorbed compounds versus covalently attached compounds. Potent antifungal surface coatings were prepared from approved pharmaceutical compounds from the echinocandin drug class (caspofungin, anidulafungin, and micafungin) and assessed by microbiological tests and instrumental methods. Carbonyl diimidazole linking chemistry enabled covalent attachment of caspofungin, anidulafungin, and micafungin to plasma polymer surfaces, with antifungal surface activity likely caused by molecular orientations that present the lipophilic tail toward interfacing fungal cells. This study demonstrates the instrumental and biological evidence required to convincingly ascertain activity due to nonreleasing, surface active compounds and summarize these as three criteria for assessing other reports on surface-immobilized antimicrobial compounds.
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24
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Lewington-Gower E, Chan L, Shah A. Review of current and future therapeutics in ABPA. Ther Adv Chronic Dis 2021; 12:20406223211047003. [PMID: 34729149 PMCID: PMC8543630 DOI: 10.1177/20406223211047003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis is an allergic pulmonary condition caused by hypersensitivity to antigens of Aspergillus sp. found most commonly in patients with underlying asthma or cystic fibrosis. Host factors which alter the innate and adaptive immune responses to this abundant airborne fungus contribute to the development of chronic airway inflammation, bronchiectasis, and fibrosis. Traditionally, treatment has focussed on reducing fungal burden and immune response to fungal antigens. However, a significant proportion of patients continue to suffer recurrent exacerbations with progressive lung damage, and the side effect burden of existing treatments is high. New treatments including novel antifungal agents, monoclonal antibodies against aspects of the adaptive immune response as well as targeted immunotherapies may be better tolerated and achieve improved outcomes but have not yet been studied in large-scale randomised control trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Lewington-Gower
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Ley Chan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Anand Shah
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London SW3 6NP, UK
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
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25
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Cushion MT, Ashbaugh A. The Long-Acting Echinocandin, Rezafungin, Prevents Pneumocystis Pneumonia and Eliminates Pneumocystis from the Lungs in Prophylaxis and Murine Treatment Models. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7090747. [PMID: 34575785 PMCID: PMC8468546 DOI: 10.3390/jof7090747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Rezafungin is a novel echinocandin in Phase 3 development for prevention of invasive fungal disease caused by Candida spp., Aspergillus spp. and Pneumocystis jirovecii in blood and marrow transplantation patients. For such patients, standard antifungal prophylaxis currently comprises an azole for Candida and Aspergillus plus trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) for Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) despite drug-drug-interactions and intolerability that may limit their use, thus, alternatives are desirable. Rezafungin demonstrates a favorable safety profile and pharmacokinetic properties that allow for once-weekly dosing in addition, to antifungal activity against these predominant pathogens. Herein, the in vivo effects of rezafungin against Pneumocystis murina pneumonia were evaluated in immunosuppressed mouse models of prophylaxis and treatment using microscopy and qPCR assessments. In the prophylaxis model, immunosuppressed mice inoculated with P. murina were administered TMP-SMX (50/250 mg/kg 1×/week or 3×/week), caspofungin (5 mg/kg 3×/week), rezafungin (20 mg/kg, 1×/week or 3×/week; 5 mg/kg, 3×/week) intraperitoneally for 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks, then immunosuppressed for an additional 6 weeks. Rezafungin administered for 4 weeks prevented P. murina from developing infection after rezafungin was discontinued. In the treatment model, immunosuppressed mice with P. murina pneumonia were treated with rezafungin 20 mg/kg 3×/week intraperitoneally for 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks. Treatment with rezafungin for 8 weeks resulted in elimination of P. murina. Collectively, these studies showed that rezafungin could both prevent infection and eliminate P. murina from the lungs of mice. These findings support the obligate role of sexual reproduction for survival and growth of Pneumocystis spp. and warrant further investigation for treatment of P. jirovecii pneumonia in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie T. Cushion
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221, USA;
- Cincinnati VAMC, Medical Research Service, Cincinnati, OH 45220, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Alan Ashbaugh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221, USA;
- Cincinnati VAMC, Medical Research Service, Cincinnati, OH 45220, USA
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Antifungal efficacy of paeonol on Aspergillus flavus and its mode of action on cell walls and cell membranes. Lebensm Wiss Technol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lwt.2021.111985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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27
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Abstract
Anti-fungal therapies remain sub-optimal, and resistant pathogens are increasing. New therapies are desperately needed, especially options that are less toxic than most of the currently available selection. In this review, I will discuss anti-fungal therapies that are in at least phase I human trials. These include VT-1161 and VT-1598, modified azoles with a tetrazole metal-binding group; the echinocandin rezafugin; the novel β-1,3-d-glucan synthase inhibitor ibrexafungerp; fosmanogepix, a novel anti-fungal targeting Gwt1; the arylamidine T-2307; the dihydroorotate inhibitor olorofim; and the cyclic hexapeptide ASP2397. The available data including spectrum of activity, toxicity and stage of clinical development will be discussed for each of these so clinicians are aware of promising anti-fungal agents with a strong likelihood of clinical availability in the next 5–7 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grant Waterer
- University of Western Australia, Royal Perth Hospital, Level 3 Executive Corridor, Wellington St, Perth, 6000, Australia.
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28
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Wu YJ, Meanwell NA. Geminal Diheteroatomic Motifs: Some Applications of Acetals, Ketals, and Their Sulfur and Nitrogen Homologues in Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Design. J Med Chem 2021; 64:9786-9874. [PMID: 34213340 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Acetals and ketals and their nitrogen and sulfur homologues are often considered to be unconventional and potentially problematic scaffolding elements or pharmacophores for the design of orally bioavailable drugs. This opinion is largely a function of the perception that such motifs might be chemically unstable under the acidic conditions of the stomach and upper gastrointestinal tract. However, even simple acetals and ketals, including acyclic molecules, can be sufficiently robust under acidic conditions to be fashioned into orally bioavailable drugs, and these structural elements are embedded in many effective therapeutic agents. The chemical stability of molecules incorporating geminal diheteroatomic motifs can be modulated by physicochemical design principles that include the judicious deployment of proximal electron-withdrawing substituents and conformational restriction. In this Perspective, we exemplify geminal diheteroatomic motifs that have been utilized in the discovery of orally bioavailable drugs or drug candidates against the backdrop of understanding their potential for chemical lability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Jin Wu
- Small Molecule Drug Discovery, Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Early Development, 100 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Nicholas A Meanwell
- Department of Discovery and Chemistry and Molecular Technologies, Bristol-Myers Squibb PRI, PO Box 4000, Princeton, New Jersey 08543-4000, United States
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Abstract
Invasive fungal diseases due to resistant yeasts and molds are an important and increasing public health threat, likely due to a growing population of immunosuppressed hosts, increases in antifungal resistance, and improvements in laboratory diagnostics. The significant morbidity and mortality associated with these pathogens bespeaks the urgent need for novel safe and effective therapeutics. This review highlights promising investigational antifungal agents in clinical phases of development: fosmanogepix, ibrexafungerp, rezafungin, encochleated amphotericin B, oteseconazole (VT-1161), VT-1598, PC945, and olorofim. We discuss three first-in-class members of three novel antifungal classes, as well as new agents within existing antifungal classes with improved safety and tolerability profiles due to enhanced pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha E. Jacobs
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10029-5674, USA
| | - Panagiotis Zagaliotis
- Transplantation-Oncology Infectious Diseases Program, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Thomas J. Walsh
- Transplantation-Oncology Infectious Diseases Program, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- Departments Pediatrics and Microbiology & Immunology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
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Kovács R, Tóth Z, Locke JB, Forgács L, Kardos G, Nagy F, Borman AM, Majoros L. Comparison of In Vitro Killing Activity of Rezafungin, Anidulafungin, Caspofungin, and Micafungin against Four Candida auris Clades in RPMI-1640 in the Absence and Presence of Human Serum. Microorganisms 2021; 9:863. [PMID: 33923783 PMCID: PMC8073555 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9040863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida auris is an emerging and frequently multidrug-resistant pathogen against which the echinocandins are the preferred therapeutic option. We compared killing activities of anidulafungin, caspofungin, micafungin, and rezafungin against 13 isolates representing four C. auris clades (South Asian n = 3; East Asian n = 3; South African n = 3; South American n = 4, of which two were of environmental origin). Minimum inhibitory concentration MICs and killing kinetics in RPMI-1640 and RPMI-1640 plus 50% serum (50% serum) were determined. The four echinocandins were never fungicidal and induced large aggregates in RPMI-1640 and, less markedly, in 50% serum. Colony forming unit CFU decreases were found more consistently in 50% serum than in RPMI-1640. Isolates from the East Asian clade were killed at ≥1-≥ 4 mg/L with all echinocandins regardless of media. Anidulafungin and micafungin produced killing at peak drug serum concentration (8 mg/L) against environmental but not clinical isolates from the South American and the South African clades. Micafungin at ≥8 mg/L but not anidulafungin produced CFU decreases against the South Asian clade as well. In 50% serum, rezafungin at ≥1-≥ 8 mg/L produced killing against all four clades. The next generation echinocandin, rezafungin, showed the same or better activity at clinically attainable trough concentration regardless of media, compared with anidulafungin, caspofungin, and micafungin against all four tested C. auris clades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renátó Kovács
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (R.K.); (Z.T.); (L.F.); (G.K.); (F.N.)
| | - Zoltán Tóth
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (R.K.); (Z.T.); (L.F.); (G.K.); (F.N.)
- Doctoral School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Jeffrey B. Locke
- Cidara Therapeutics, Inc., 6310 Nancy Ridge Dr., Suite 101, San Diego, CA 92121, USA;
| | - Lajos Forgács
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (R.K.); (Z.T.); (L.F.); (G.K.); (F.N.)
- Doctoral School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Gábor Kardos
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (R.K.); (Z.T.); (L.F.); (G.K.); (F.N.)
| | - Fruzsina Nagy
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (R.K.); (Z.T.); (L.F.); (G.K.); (F.N.)
- Doctoral School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Andrew M. Borman
- UK National Mycology Reference Laboratory, Public Health England, Science Quarter, Southmead Hospital, Bristol BS10 5NB, UK;
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology (MRC CMM), University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - László Majoros
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (R.K.); (Z.T.); (L.F.); (G.K.); (F.N.)
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Bercusson A, Jarvis G, Shah A. CF Fungal Disease in the Age of CFTR Modulators. Mycopathologia 2021; 186:655-664. [PMID: 33813719 PMCID: PMC8536598 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-021-00541-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Fungi are increasingly recognised to have a significant role in the progression of lung disease in Cystic fibrosis with Aspergillus fumigatus the most common fungus isolated during respiratory sampling. The emergence of novel CFTR modulators has, however, significantly changed the outlook of disease progression in CF. In this review we discuss what impact novel CFTR modulators will have on fungal lung disease and its management in CF. We discuss how CFTR modulators affect antifungal innate immunity and consider the impact of Ivacaftor on fungal disease in individuals with gating mutations. We further review the increasing complication of drug-drug interactions with concurrent use of azole antifungal medication and highlight key unknowns that require addressing to fully understand the impact of CFTR modulators on fungal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia Bercusson
- Cystic Fibrosis Unit, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - George Jarvis
- Respiratory Medicine, Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Anand Shah
- Respiratory Medicine, Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK. .,Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, MRC Centre of Global Infectious Disease Analysis, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK.
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32
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Scorzoni L, Fuchs BB, Junqueira JC, Mylonakis E. Current and promising pharmacotherapeutic options for candidiasis. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2021; 22:867-887. [PMID: 33538201 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2021.1873951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Candida spp. are commensal yeasts capable of causing infections such as superficial, oral, vaginal, or systemic infections. Despite medical advances, the antifungal pharmacopeia remains limited and the development of alternative strategies is needed.Areas covered: We discuss available treatments for Candida spp. infections, highlighting advantages and limitations related to pharmacokinetics, cytotoxicity, and antimicrobial resistance. Moreover, we present new perspectives to improve the activity of the available antifungals, discussing their immunomodulatory potential and advances on drug delivery carriers. New therapeutic approaches are presented including recent synthesized antifungal compounds (Enchochleated-Amphotericin B, tetrazoles, rezafungin, enfumafungin, manogepix and arylamidine); drug repurposing using a diversity of antibacterial, antiviral and non-antimicrobial drugs; combination therapies with different compounds or photodynamic therapy; and innovations based on nano-particulate delivery systems.Expert opinion: With the lack of novel drugs, the available assets must be leveraged to their best advantage through modifications that enhance delivery, efficacy, and solubility. However, these efforts are met with continuous challenges presented by microbes in their infinite plight to resist and survive therapeutic drugs. The pharmacotherapeutic options in development need to focus on new antimicrobial targets. The success of each antimicrobial agent brings strategic insights to the next phased approach in treatingCandida spp. infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliana Scorzoni
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University/UNESP, SP Brazil
| | - Beth Burgwyn Fuchs
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Rhode Island Hospital, Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI USA
| | - Juliana Campos Junqueira
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University/UNESP, SP Brazil
| | - Eleftherios Mylonakis
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Rhode Island Hospital, Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI USA
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33
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Ham YY, Lewis JS, Thompson GR. Rezafungin: a novel antifungal for the treatment of invasive candidiasis. Future Microbiol 2021; 16:27-36. [PMID: 33438477 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2020-0217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Rezafungin is a novel echinocandin with exceptional stability and solubility and a uniquely long half-life allowing for front-loaded drug exposure with once-weekly dosing. Rezafungin has been shown comparable to other echinocandins, with activity against Candida spp. and Aspergillus spp. including subsets of echinocandin-resistant Candida auris and azole-resistant Aspergillus isolates. Available clinical data show robust safety and promising efficacy. Phase III trials will provide data on efficacy of rezafungin for the treatment of candidemia and invasive candidiasis and for the prevention of invasive fungal disease in blood and bone marrow transplant recipients. Rezafungin is a promising new candidate in the antifungal arsenal that opens up clinical possibilities based on its impressive half-life, such as early hospital discharge for stable patients and use as prophylaxis in immunocompromised patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Yoon Ham
- Department of Pharmacy, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine Division of Infectious Diseases & Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology; University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - James S Lewis
- Department of Pharmacy, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine Division of Infectious Diseases & Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology; University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - George R Thompson
- Department of Pharmacy, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine Division of Infectious Diseases & Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology; University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
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Echinocandins: structural diversity, biosynthesis, and development of antimycotics. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2020; 105:55-66. [PMID: 33270153 PMCID: PMC7778625 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-020-11022-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Abstract Echinocandins are a clinically important class of non-ribosomal antifungal lipopeptides produced by filamentous fungi. Due to their complex structure, which is characterized by numerous hydroxylated non-proteinogenic amino acids, echinocandin antifungal agents are manufactured semisynthetically. The development of optimized echinocandin structures is therefore closely connected to their biosynthesis. Enormous efforts in industrial research and development including fermentation, classical mutagenesis, isotope labeling, and chemical synthesis eventually led to the development of the active ingredients caspofungin, micafungin, and anidulafungin, which are now used as first-line treatments against invasive mycosis. In the last years, echinocandin biosynthetic gene clusters have been identified, which allowed for the elucidation but also engineering of echinocandin biosynthesis on the molecular level. After a short description of the history of echinocandin research, this review provides an overview of the current knowledge of echinocandin biosynthesis with a special focus of the diverse structural elements, their biosynthetic background, and structure−activity relationships. Key points • Complex and highly oxidized lipopeptides produced by fungi. • Crucial in the design of drugs: side chain, solubility, and hydrolytic stability. • Genetic methods for engineering biosynthesis have recently become available. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00253-020-11022-y.
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35
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Garcia-Effron G. Rezafungin-Mechanisms of Action, Susceptibility and Resistance: Similarities and Differences with the Other Echinocandins. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:E262. [PMID: 33139650 PMCID: PMC7711656 DOI: 10.3390/jof6040262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Rezafungin (formerly CD101) is a new β-glucan synthase inhibitor that is chemically related with anidulafungin. It is considered the first molecule of the new generation of long-acting echinocandins. It has several advantages over the already approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) echinocandins as it has better tissue penetration, better pharmacokinetic/phamacodynamic (PK/PD) pharmacometrics, and a good safety profile. It is much more stable in solution than the older echinocandins, making it more flexible in terms of dosing, storage, and manufacturing. These properties would allow rezafungin to be administered once-weekly (intravenous) and to be potentially administered topically and subcutaneously. In addition, higher dose regimens were tested with no evidence of toxic effect. This will eventually prevent (or reduce) the selection of resistant strains. Rezafungin also has several similarities with older echinocandins as they share the same in vitro behavior (very similar Minimum Inhibitory Concentration required to inhibit the growth of 50% of the isolates (MIC50) and half enzyme maximal inhibitory concentration 50% (IC50)) and spectrum, the same target, and the same mechanisms of resistance. The selection of FKS mutants occurred at similar frequency for rezafungin than for anidulafungin and caspofungin. In this review, rezafungin mechanism of action, target, mechanism of resistance, and in vitro data are described in a comparative manner with the already approved echinocandins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo Garcia-Effron
- Laboratorio de Micología y Diagnóstico Molecular, Cátedra de Parasitología y Micología, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, C.P. 3000 Santa Fe, Argentina; or ; Tel.: +54-9342-4575209 (ext. 135)
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas, C.P. 3000 Santa Fe, Argentina
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36
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Jaber QZ, Bibi M, Ksiezopolska E, Gabaldon T, Berman J, Fridman M. Elevated Vacuolar Uptake of Fluorescently Labeled Antifungal Drug Caspofungin Predicts Echinocandin Resistance in Pathogenic Yeast. ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2020; 6:1698-1712. [PMID: 33145409 PMCID: PMC7596861 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.0c00813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Echinocandins are the newest class of antifungal drugs in clinical use. These agents inhibit β-glucan synthase, which catalyzes the synthesis of β-glucan, an essential component of the fungal cell wall, and have a high clinical efficacy and low toxicity. Echinocandin resistance is largely due to mutations in the gene encoding β-glucan synthase, but the mode of action is not fully understood. We developed fluorescent probes based on caspofungin, the first clinically approved echinocandin, and studied their cellular biology in Candida species, the most common cause of human fungal infections worldwide. Fluorescently labeled caspofungin probes, like the unlabeled drug, were most effective against metabolically active cells. The probes rapidly accumulated in Candida vacuoles, as shown by colocalization with vacuolar proteins and vacuole-specific stains. The uptake of fluorescent caspofungin is facilitated by endocytosis: The labeled drug formed vesicles similar to fluorescently labeled endocytic vesicles, the vacuolar accumulation of fluorescent caspofungin was energy-dependent, and inhibitors of endocytosis reduced its uptake. In a panel comprised of isogenic Candida strains carrying different β-glucan synthase mutations as well as clinical isolates, resistance correlated with increased fluorescent drug uptake into vacuoles. Fluorescent drug uptake also associated with elevated levels of chitin, a sugar polymer that increases cell-wall rigidity. Monitoring the intracellular uptake of fluorescent caspofungin provides a rapid and simple assay that can enable the prediction of echinocandin resistance, which is useful for research applications as well as for selecting the appropriate drugs for treatments of invasive fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qais Z. Jaber
- School
of Chemistry, Raymond & Beverly Sackler Faculty of Exact Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Maayan Bibi
- School
of Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology, George Wise Faculty of
Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Ewa Ksiezopolska
- Barcelona
Supercomputing Centre (BSC−CNS) Jordi Girona, 29, Barcelona 08034, Spain
- Institute
for Research in Biomedicine, The Barcelona
Institute of Science and Technology, Baldiri Reixac, 10, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Toni Gabaldon
- Barcelona
Supercomputing Centre (BSC−CNS) Jordi Girona, 29, Barcelona 08034, Spain
- Institute
for Research in Biomedicine, The Barcelona
Institute of Science and Technology, Baldiri Reixac, 10, Barcelona 08028, Spain
- Catalan
Institution for Research and Advanced Studies, Passeig de Lluís Companys, 23, Barcelona 08010, Spain
| | - Judith Berman
- School
of Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology, George Wise Faculty of
Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Micha Fridman
- School
of Chemistry, Raymond & Beverly Sackler Faculty of Exact Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
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Escudero-Sánchez R, Mendoza Lizardo SS, Batlle López E, Campelo Gutierrez C, Losa García JE, Velasco Arribas M. [Impact of surgery on the mortality of infective endocarditis in a hospital without cardiac surgery]. REVISTA ESPANOLA DE QUIMIOTERAPIA 2020; 33:436-443. [PMID: 33045817 PMCID: PMC7712346 DOI: 10.37201/req/005.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Infective endocarditis has a high morbidity and mortality and requires a coordinated medical-surgical management. The objective was to analyse the impact of surgery on mortality in a hospital without cardiac surgery. METHODS Evaluation of a prospective cohort of patients with infective endocarditis diagnosed between August 2011 and January 2016 according to modified Duke's criteria. RESULTS Sixty-four patients were included, of whom seventeen patients were operated (26.6%). Mortality was 32.8% and it was associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease history, staphylococci coagulase-negative and the appearance of complications, as valvular insufficiency and embolisms in the central nervous system; cardiac surgery was not associated with mortality. Four patients (6,6%) were not operated despite indication of cardiac surgery. The main reason for not been intervened was the poor presurgical prognosis (44.7%). CONCLUSIONS Mortality due to infective endocarditis in a hospital without cardiac surgery is high. The need for interhospital teams is strengthened.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Escudero-Sánchez
- Rosa Escudero Sánchez, Servicio Enfermedades Infecciosas, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Ctra Colmenar Viejo, Km 9,1 (28034) Madrid (Spain).
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Wirth F, Ishida K. Antifungal drugs: An updated review of central nervous system pharmacokinetics. Mycoses 2020; 63:1047-1059. [PMID: 32772402 DOI: 10.1111/myc.13157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) in the central nervous system (CNS) are particularly hard to treat and are associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Four chemical classes of systemic antifungal agents are used for the treatment of IFIs (eg meningitis), including polyenes, triazoles, pyrimidine analogues and echinocandins. This review will address all of these classes and discuss their penetration and accumulation in the CNS. Treatment of fungal meningitis is based on the antifungal that shows good penetration and accumulation in the CNS. Pharmacokinetic data concerning the entry of antifungal agents into the intracranial compartments are faulty. This review will provide an overview of the ability of systemic antifungals to penetrate the CNS, based on previously published drug physicochemical properties and pharmacokinetic data, for evaluation of the most promising antifungal drugs for the treatment of fungal CNS infections. The studies selected and discussed in this review are from 1990 to 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Wirth
- Laboratory of Antifungal Chemotherapy, Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Kelly Ishida
- Laboratory of Antifungal Chemotherapy, Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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39
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Tóth Z, Forgács L, Locke JB, Kardos G, Nagy F, Kovács R, Szekely A, Borman AM, Majoros L. In vitro activity of rezafungin against common and rare Candida species and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. J Antimicrob Chemother 2020; 74:3505-3510. [PMID: 31539426 PMCID: PMC6857195 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkz390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Revised: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rezafungin is a novel echinocandin with excellent activity against common Candida species; however, limited data are available regarding rare Candida species. METHODS We determined the in vitro susceptibility of 689 clinical isolates of 5 common and 19 rare Candida species, as well as Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The activity of rezafungin was compared with that of anidulafungin, caspofungin, micafungin, amphotericin B and fluconazole, using CLSI broth microdilution methodology (Fourth Edition: M27). RESULTS Rezafungin MIC90 values were 0.06 mg/L for Candida albicans (n=125), Candida tropicalis (n=51), Candida dubliniensis (n=22), Candida inconspicua (n=41), Candida sojae (n=10), Candida lipolytica (n=10) and Candida pulcherrima (n=10), 0.12 mg/L for Candida glabrata (n=81), Candida krusei (n=53), Candida kefyr (n=52) and Candida fabianii (n=15), 0.25 mg/L for Candida lusitaniae (n=46) and Candida auris (n=19), 0.5 mg/L for Candida metapsilosis (n=15) and S. cerevisiae (n=21), 1 mg/L for Candida orthopsilosis (n=15) and Candida guilliermondii (n=27) and 2 mg/L for Candida parapsilosis sensu stricto (n=59). Caspofungin MIC90 values were 0.25-2 mg/L for all species, while micafungin and anidulafungin MIC90 values were similar to those of rezafungin. Fluconazole resistance was found in C. albicans (5.6%) and C. glabrata (4.9%); rezafungin was effective against these isolates as well. Amphotericin B MIC values did not exceed 2 mg/L. CONCLUSIONS Rezafungin showed excellent in vitro activity against both WT and azole-resistant Candida species, as well as against S. cerevisiae. Rezafungin had similar activity to other echinocandins (excluding caspofungin) against common Candida species and, notably, against clinically relevant uncommon Candida species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoltán Tóth
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary.,Doctoral School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Lajos Forgács
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary.,Doctoral School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Jeffrey B Locke
- Cidara Therapeutics, Inc., 6310 Nancy Ridge Dr., Suite 101, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Gábor Kardos
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Fruzsina Nagy
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary.,Doctoral School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Renátó Kovács
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary.,Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Adrien Szekely
- UK National Mycology Reference Laboratory (MRL), Public Health England South-West, Bristol, UK
| | - Andrew M Borman
- UK National Mycology Reference Laboratory (MRL), Public Health England South-West, Bristol, UK
| | - László Majoros
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
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Determination of antifungal caspofungin in RPMI-1640 cell culture medium by column-switching HPLC-FLD. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2020; 188:113366. [PMID: 32516668 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2020.113366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 05/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The actual scenario in the fight against fungal infections forces researchers to carry through with resistance studies to improve the therapies. These studies, which are performed in cell culture media, need accurate and sensitive analytical methodologies. That is why, in this work, an analytical method for caspofungin (CSF) concentration determination in RPMI-1640 cell culture medium with on-line sample treatment was developed and validated. CSF concentration was determined by HPLC-FLD using a column-switching procedure. The chromatographic analysis was carried out in less than 10 min using a C8 column (4 × 4 mm, 5 μm) as extraction stationary phase and a HSS T3 column (4.6 × 100 mm, 5 μm) as the analytical column. The used mobile phases were mixtures of phase A: pH 2 (adjusted with TFA) aqueous phase and phase B: ACN. For the extraction, the composition was (95:5, A:B v/v) and for the analysis (60:40, A:B v/v), both done in isocratic elution mode. These chromatographic conditions allowed reaching a limit of quantification of 10 μg/L, using 100 μL of sample with an injected volume of 40 μL. The proposed method was successfully validated in terms of selectivity, carryover, linear concentration range, accuracy and precision according to the criteria established by the Food and Drug Administration. Available amount of CSF in RPMI-1640 solution was found critical. CSF concentrations remained stable up to 2 h at room temperature. The developed method was applied for the direct analysis of CSF concentrations from in vitro experiments in presence of C. glabrata (CAGL18). The results highlight the decrease of cell proliferation even if the CSF amount decreases too, which asks question about the real value of the efficient concentration for CSF antifungal activity.
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Tóth Z, Forgács L, Kardos T, Kovács R, Locke JB, Kardos G, Nagy F, Borman AM, Adnan A, Majoros L. Relative Frequency of Paradoxical Growth and Trailing Effect with Caspofungin, Micafungin, Anidulafungin, and the Novel Echinocandin Rezafungin against Candida Species. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:jof6030136. [PMID: 32824464 PMCID: PMC7560028 DOI: 10.3390/jof6030136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Rezafungin is a next-generation echinocandin that has favorable pharmacokinetic properties. We compared the occurrence of paradoxical growth (PG) and trailing effect (TE) characteristics to echinocadins with rezafungin, caspofungin, micafungin and anidulafungin using 365 clinical Candida isolates belonging to 13 species. MICs were determined by BMD method according to CLSI (M27 Ed4). Disconnected growth (PG plus TE) was most frequent with caspofungin (49.6%), followed by anidulafungin (33.7%), micafungin (25.7%), while it was least frequent with rezafungin (16.9%). PG was relatively common in the case of caspofungin (30.1%) but was rare in the case of rezafungin (3.0%). C. tropicalis, C. albicans, C. orthopsilosis and C. inconspicua exhibited PG most frequently with caspofungin, micafungin or anidulafungin. PG never occurred in the case of C. krusei isolates. Against C. tropicalis and C. albicans, echinocandins frequently showed PG after 24 h followed by TE after 48 h. All four echinocandins exhibited TE for the majority of C. auris and C. dubliniensis isolates. Disconnected growth was common among Candida species and was echinocandin- and species-dependent. In contrast to earlier echinocandins, PG was infrequently found with rezafungin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoltán Tóth
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (Z.T.); (L.F.); (R.K.); (G.K.); (F.N.); (A.A.)
- Doctoral School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Lajos Forgács
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (Z.T.); (L.F.); (R.K.); (G.K.); (F.N.); (A.A.)
- Doctoral School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Tamás Kardos
- Department of Pulmonology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary;
| | - Renátó Kovács
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (Z.T.); (L.F.); (R.K.); (G.K.); (F.N.); (A.A.)
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Jeffrey B. Locke
- Cidara Therapeutics, Inc., 6310 Nancy Ridge Dr., Suite 101, San Diego, CA 92121, USA;
| | - Gábor Kardos
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (Z.T.); (L.F.); (R.K.); (G.K.); (F.N.); (A.A.)
| | - Fruzsina Nagy
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (Z.T.); (L.F.); (R.K.); (G.K.); (F.N.); (A.A.)
- Doctoral School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Andrew M. Borman
- UK National Mycology Reference Laboratory, Public Health England, Science Quarter, Southmead Hospital, Bristol BS10 5NB, UK;
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology (MRC CMM), University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Awid Adnan
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (Z.T.); (L.F.); (R.K.); (G.K.); (F.N.); (A.A.)
| | - László Majoros
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (Z.T.); (L.F.); (R.K.); (G.K.); (F.N.); (A.A.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +36-52-255-425; Fax: +36-52-255-424
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Yu Y, Albrecht K, Groll J, Beilhack A. Innovative therapies for invasive fungal infections in preclinical and clinical development. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2020; 29:961-971. [DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2020.1791819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yidong Yu
- Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research Laboratory for Experimental Stem Cell Transplantation, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital of Würzburg , Würzburg, Germany
| | - Krystyna Albrecht
- Department for Functional Materials in Medicine and Dentistry, University of Würzburg , Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jürgen Groll
- Department for Functional Materials in Medicine and Dentistry, University of Würzburg , Würzburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Beilhack
- Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research Laboratory for Experimental Stem Cell Transplantation, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital of Würzburg , Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital of Würzburg , Würzburg, Germany
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Liu W, Yuan L, Wang S. Recent Progress in the Discovery of Antifungal Agents Targeting the Cell Wall. J Med Chem 2020; 63:12429-12459. [PMID: 32692166 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c00748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Due to the limit of available treatments and the emergence of drug resistance in the clinic, invasive fungal infections are an intractable problem with high morbidity and mortality. The cell wall, as a fungi-specific structure, is an appealing target for the discovery and development of novel and low-toxic antifungal agents. In an attempt to accelerate the discovery of novel cell wall targeted drugs, this Perspective will provide a comprehensive review of the progress made to date on the development of fungal cell wall inhibitors. Specifically, this review will focus on the targets, discovery process, chemical structures, antifungal activities, and structure-activity relationships. Although two types of cell wall antifungal agents are clinically available or in clinical trials, it is still a long way for the other cell wall targeted inhibitors to be translated into clinical applications. Future efforts should be focused on the identification of inhibitors against novel conserved cell wall targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Liu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xuefu Middle Road, Xi'an 710021, People's Republic of China
| | - Lin Yuan
- Faculty of Pharmacy, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xuefu Middle Road, Xi'an 710021, People's Republic of China
| | - Shengzheng Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, 169 Changle West Road, Xi'an 710032, People's Republic of China
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Hashemian SM, Farhadi T, Velayati AA. Caspofungin: a review of its characteristics, activity, and use in intensive care units. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2020; 18:1213-1220. [PMID: 32662712 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2020.1794817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Candidemia is the fourth frequent reason of healthcare-related bloodstream infections in critically ill patients. For initial management of (suspected) invasive candidiasis in critically ill patients, usage of an echinocandin, e.g. caspofungin, has been recommended. AREAS COVERED In this study, characteristics of caspofungin and its use in intensive care unit (ICU) patients are reviewed based on an electronic search using PubMed and Google scholar. EXPERT OPINION Caspofungin is a semisynthetic derivative from pneumocandin B and the first member of the echinocandins that was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to fight fungal infection. Caspofungin inhibits the enzyme β(1,3)-D-glucan synthase of the fungal cell wall resulted in inhibition of the synthesis of β(1,3)-D-glucan. For critically ill patients, inter- and intraindividual variations affect the caspofungin concentration. The incidence rates and densities of candidemia in surgical ICUs may be higher than medical ICUs resulting in a higher burden of candidemia in surgical ICUs. However, the mortality rate in surgical ICU patients with candidemia is higher than that medical ICU patients due to differences in their underlying conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed MohammadReza Hashemian
- Clinical Tuberculosis and Epidemiology Research Center, National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences , Tehran, Iran.,Chronic Respiratory Diseases Research Center (CRDRC), National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences , Tehran, Iran
| | - Tayebeh Farhadi
- Chronic Respiratory Diseases Research Center (CRDRC), National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences , Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Akbar Velayati
- Chronic Respiratory Diseases Research Center (CRDRC), National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences , Tehran, Iran
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Pfaller MA, Carvalhaes C, Messer SA, Rhomberg PR, Castanheira M. Activity of a Long-Acting Echinocandin, Rezafungin, and Comparator Antifungal Agents Tested against Contemporary Invasive Fungal Isolates (SENTRY Program, 2016 to 2018). Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2020; 64:e00099-20. [PMID: 32015043 PMCID: PMC7179261 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00099-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
We evaluated the activity of rezafungin and comparators, using Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) broth microdilution methods, against a worldwide collection of 2,205 invasive fungal isolates recovered from 2016 to 2018. Candida (n = 1,904 isolates; 6 species), Cryptococcus neoformans (n = 73), Aspergillus fumigatus (n = 183), and Aspergillus flavus (n = 45) isolates were tested for their susceptibility (S) to rezafungin as well as the comparators caspofungin, anidulafungin, micafungin, and azoles. Interpretive criteria were applied following CLSI published clinical breakpoints (CBPs) and epidemiological cutoff values (ECVs). Isolates displaying non-wild-type (non-WT) echinocandin MIC values were sequenced for hot spot (HS) mutations. Rezafungin inhibited 99.8% of Candida albicans isolates (MIC50/90, 0.03/0.06 μg/ml), 95.7% of Candida glabrata isolates (MIC50/90, 0.06/0.12 μg/ml), 97.4% of Candida tropicalis isolates (MIC50/90, 0.03/0.06 μg/ml), 100.0% of Candida krusei isolates (MIC50/90, 0.03/0.06 μg/ml), and 100.0% of Candida dubliniensis isolates (MIC50/90, 0.06/0.12 μg/ml) at ≤0.12 μg/ml. All (329/329 [100.0%]) Candida parapsilosis isolates (MIC50/90,1/2 μg/ml) were inhibited by rezafungin at ≤4 μg/ml. Fluconazole resistance was detected among 8.6% of C. glabrata isolates, 12.5% of C. parapsilosis isolates, 3.2% of C. dubliniensis isolates, and 2.6% of C. tropicalis isolates. The activity of rezafungin against these 6 Candida spp. was similar to the activity of the other echinocandins. Detection of the HS mutation was performed by sequencing echinocandin-resistant or non-WT Candida isolates. Good activity against C. neoformans was observed for fluconazole and the other azoles, whereas the echinocandins, including rezafungin, displayed limited activity. Rezafungin displayed activity similar to that of the other echinocandins against A. fumigatus and A. flavus These in vitro data contribute to accumulating research demonstrating the potential of rezafungin for preventing and treating invasive fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Pfaller
- JMI Laboratories, North Liberty, Iowa, USA
- University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
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Stevens VM, Mueller SW, Reynolds PM, MacLaren R, Kiser TH. Extrapolating Antifungal Animal Data to Humans - Is it reliable? CURRENT FUNGAL INFECTION REPORTS 2020; 14:50-62. [PMID: 32201545 PMCID: PMC7083583 DOI: 10.1007/s12281-020-00370-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This article aimed to review animal models of antifungals and identifies human literature to assess if the extrapolation of results is reliable. RECENT FINDINGS Animal studies have helped identify AUC/MIC targets for new drugs and formulations such as isavuconazole and delayed release posaconazole that have translated to successful outcomes in humans. Models have also been influential in the identification of possible combination therapies for the treatment of aspergillosis, such as voriconazole and echinocandins. However, challenges are endured with animal models when it comes to replicating the pharmacokinetics of humans which has been exemplified with the newest itraconazole formulation. Additionally, animal models have displayed a survival benefit with the use of iron chelators and amphotericin for mucormycosis which was not demonstrated in humans. SUMMARY Animal models have been a staple in the development and optimization of antifungal agents. They afford the ability to investigate uncommon diseases, such as invasive fungal infections, that would otherwise take years and many resources to complete. Although there are many benefits of animal models there are also shortcomings. This is why the reliability of extrapolating data from animal models to humans is often scrutinized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria M Stevens
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 12850 East Montview Boulevard, Mail Stop C238, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Scott W Mueller
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 12850 East Montview Boulevard, Mail Stop C238, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Paul M Reynolds
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 12850 East Montview Boulevard, Mail Stop C238, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Robert MacLaren
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 12850 East Montview Boulevard, Mail Stop C238, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Tyree H Kiser
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 12850 East Montview Boulevard, Mail Stop C238, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
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Silva LN, de Mello TP, de Souza Ramos L, Branquinha MH, Dos Santos ALS. New and Promising Chemotherapeutics for Emerging Infections Involving Drug-resistant Non-albicans Candida Species. Curr Top Med Chem 2020; 19:2527-2553. [PMID: 31654512 DOI: 10.2174/1568026619666191025152412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Revised: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Fungal infections are a veritable public health problem worldwide. The increasing number of patient populations at risk (e.g. transplanted individuals, cancer patients, and HIV-infected people), as well as the use of antifungal agents for prophylaxis in medicine, have favored the emergence of previously rare or newly identified fungal species. Indeed, novel antifungal resistance patterns have been observed, including environmental sources and the emergence of simultaneous resistance to different antifungal classes, especially in Candida spp., which are known for the multidrug-resistance (MDR) profile. In order to circumvent this alarming scenario, the international researchers' community is engaged in discovering new, potent, and promising compounds to be used in a near future to treat resistant fungal infections in hospital settings on a global scale. In this context, many compounds with antifungal action from both natural and synthetic sources are currently under clinical development, including those that target either ergosterol or β(1,3)-D-glucan, presenting clear evidence of pharmacologic/pharmacokinetic advantages over currently available drugs against these two well-known fungal target structures. Among these are the tetrazoles VT-1129, VT-1161, and VT-1598, the echinocandin CD101, and the glucan synthase inhibitor SCY-078. In this review, we compiled the most recent antifungal compounds that are currently in clinical trials of development and described the potential outcomes against emerging and rare Candida species, with a focus on C. auris, C. dubliniensis, C. glabrata, C. guilliermondii, C. haemulonii, and C. rugosa. In addition to possibly overcoming the limitations of currently available antifungals, new investigational chemical agents that can enhance the classic antifungal activity, thereby reversing previously resistant phenotypes, were also highlighted. While novel and increasingly MDR non-albicans Candida species continue to emerge worldwide, novel strategies for rapid identification and treatment are needed to combat these life-threatening opportunistic fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Nunes Silva
- Laboratorio de Estudos Avancados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Goes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Thaís Pereira de Mello
- Laboratorio de Estudos Avancados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Goes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Lívia de Souza Ramos
- Laboratorio de Estudos Avancados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Goes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marta Helena Branquinha
- Laboratorio de Estudos Avancados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Goes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - André Luis Souza Dos Santos
- Laboratorio de Estudos Avancados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Goes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Salazar SB, Simões RS, Pedro NA, Pinheiro MJ, Carvalho MFNN, Mira NP. An Overview on Conventional and Non-Conventional Therapeutic Approaches for the Treatment of Candidiasis and Underlying Resistance Mechanisms in Clinical Strains. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:E23. [PMID: 32050673 PMCID: PMC7151124 DOI: 10.3390/jof6010023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections and, in particular, those caused by species of the Candida genus, are growing at an alarming rate and have high associated rates of mortality and morbidity. These infections, generally referred as candidiasis, range from common superficial rushes caused by an overgrowth of the yeasts in mucosal surfaces to life-threatening disseminated mycoses. The success of currently used antifungal drugs to treat candidiasis is being endangered by the continuous emergence of resistant strains, specially among non-albicans Candida species. In this review article, the mechanisms of action of currently used antifungals, with emphasis on the mechanisms of resistance reported in clinical isolates, are reviewed. Novel approaches being taken to successfully inhibit growth of pathogenic Candida species, in particular those based on the exploration of natural or synthetic chemicals or on the activity of live probiotics, are also reviewed. It is expected that these novel approaches, either used alone or in combination with traditional antifungals, may contribute to foster the identification of novel anti-Candida therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara B. Salazar
- Department of Bioengineering, Institute of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal; (S.B.S.); (R.S.S.); (N.A.P.); (M.J.P.)
| | - Rita S. Simões
- Department of Bioengineering, Institute of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal; (S.B.S.); (R.S.S.); (N.A.P.); (M.J.P.)
| | - Nuno A. Pedro
- Department of Bioengineering, Institute of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal; (S.B.S.); (R.S.S.); (N.A.P.); (M.J.P.)
| | - Maria Joana Pinheiro
- Department of Bioengineering, Institute of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal; (S.B.S.); (R.S.S.); (N.A.P.); (M.J.P.)
| | - Maria Fernanda N. N. Carvalho
- Centro de Química Estrutural, Complexo I, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal;
| | - Nuno P. Mira
- Department of Bioengineering, Institute of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal; (S.B.S.); (R.S.S.); (N.A.P.); (M.J.P.)
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Flanagan S, Goodman DB, Jandourek A, O'Reilly T, Sandison T. Lack of Effect of Rezafungin on QT/QTc Interval in Healthy Subjects. Clin Pharmacol Drug Dev 2019; 9:456-465. [PMID: 31793231 DOI: 10.1002/cpdd.757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Rezafungin is a new echinocandin in development for treatment of candidemia and invasive candidiasis, and for prophylaxis of invasive fungal infections. Rezafungin is the first echinocandin to undergo definitive QT/QTc study. This phase 1, single-center, randomized, double-blind trial was conducted to assess effects of intravenous rezafungin vs intravenous placebo (with moxifloxacin as positive control) on the QT interval of the electrocardiogram, corrected for heart rate by Fridericia's formula (QTcF), in healthy adults. Therapeutic (600 mg) and supratherapeutic (1400 mg) rezafungin doses were selected to achieve exposures 2.5-fold higher than produced by the highest dose used in a phase 2 trial (400 mg once weekly). The primary end point was change in QTcF from baseline (ΔQTcF) as a function of plasma concentration, assessed by comparing upper bounds of the 2-sided 90% confidence interval. The estimated mean ΔΔQTcF at the mean plasma concentrations for the rezafungin doses had upper bounds <10 milliseconds, within the upper bound of the 2-sided 90% confidence interval. Intravenous rezafungin up to 1400 mg in a single dose did not prolong QT interval and had no apparent effect on repolarization or QRS duration. Electrocardiogram results showed no clinically significant effects of concern. These findings support the continued development of rezafungin.
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