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Caspofungin: an echinocandin antifungal agent
Elizabeth A Stone1, Horatio B Fung, Harold L Kirschenbaum
1Pharmacy Service, VA Medical Center, Bronx, New York 10468, USA.
Clinical Therapeutics
|April 16, 2002
Summary
Caspofungin acetate is a novel echinocandin antifungal effective against Candida and Aspergillus species. This agent shows promise for treating serious fungal infections, with a favorable safety profile and convenient dosing.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Traditional treatments for nosocomial fungal infections include amphotericin B and azole derivatives.
- Caspofungin acetate is a new echinocandin antifungal agent targeting fungal cell wall synthesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the pharmacologic properties of caspofungin.
- To evaluate the potential clinical usefulness of caspofungin.
Main Methods:
- Searches of MEDLINE, Iowa Drug Information Service, and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts.
- Review of meeting abstracts from IDSA and ICAAC.
- Keywords included caspofungin, echinocandin, and beta-(1,3)-glucan inhibitor.
Main Results:
- Caspofungin demonstrates in vitro activity against Candida and Aspergillus spp.
- Clinical trials suggest efficacy in candidiasis and invasive aspergillosis.
- Caspofungin has a favorable pharmacokinetic profile and is generally well-tolerated.
Conclusions:
- Caspofungin is a promising agent for difficult-to-treat or life-threatening fungal infections.
- Further studies are warranted to fully establish its role in antifungal therapy.