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Voriconazole (Pfizer ltd).
P E Verweij1, B E de Pauw, J F Meis
1Departments of Medical Microbiology and Hematology, University Hospital Nijmegen, The Netherlands. p.verweij@mmb.azn.nl
Idrugs : the Investigational Drugs Journal
|August 27, 2005
Summary
Voriconazole shows promise as a treatment for invasive fungal infections, including aspergillosis and candidiasis, particularly in immunocompromised patients. Clinical trials indicate significant efficacy, even when other antifungals have failed.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Emerging fungal infections pose a significant threat to immunocompromised individuals.
- Voriconazole is a novel antifungal agent developed by Pfizer.
- Existing treatments like amphotericin have limitations in efficacy and tolerability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of voriconazole in treating various fungal infections.
- To compare voriconazole's activity against other antifungal agents.
- To assess voriconazole's potential in treating infections caused by resistant fungal strains.
Main Methods:
- Phase III clinical trials involving immunocompromised patients with aspergillosis and candidiasis.
- In vitro studies comparing voriconazole's activity against comparator agents.
- Analysis of clinical efficacy data from patient trials.
Main Results:
- Voriconazole demonstrated clinical efficacy of at least 69% in trials.
- The compound was effective in patients who did not respond to amphotericin B.
- In vitro studies showed voriconazole to be highly active against certain Scedosporium species.
Conclusions:
- Voriconazole is effective and well-tolerated for treating invasive aspergillosis and candidiasis in various patient populations.
- The drug exhibits an extended spectrum of activity compared to existing treatments.
- Voriconazole holds potential for treating serious fungal infections affecting the eye and brain.