Retinal toxicity and in vitro efficacy study of cilofungin (LY121019)

We assessed the retinal toxicity of a new antifungal agent, cilofungin, by injecting it into the vitreous body of albino rabbit eyes in dosages of 2.5 micrograms to 320 micrograms. The maximum intravitreal drug concentration (320 micrograms) produced no histological evidence of retinal toxicity. Electroretinography data showed some variations, but no toxicity at the highest dose (320 micrograms). When efficacy was evaluated in vitro against Candida albicans, the minimal inhibitory concentration was 2.50 micrograms/mL, using Sabouraud's broth or M3 medium. The minimal fungicidal concentration was 5 micrograms/mL with Sabouraud's broth, and 10 micrograms/mL with M3 medium. Cilofungin is a potentially safe antifungal for the treatment of candida endophthalmitis.