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Novel investigational therapies for onychomycosis: an update

Aditya K Gupta1,2, Catherine Studholme2

  • 1a Department of Medicine , University of Toronto , Toronto , Canada.

Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs
|January 15, 2016
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

New topical antifungal treatments show improved nail penetration for onychomycosis, a common fungal nail infection. Research focuses on safer topical options due to fewer side effects and patient preference.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Mycology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Onychomycosis is a prevalent fungal nail infection, particularly in older adults.
  • Treatment is challenging due to low cure rates and high relapse/reinfection rates.
  • Current therapies include oral and topical antifungals, with oral agents offering better efficacy but more side effects.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review novel and reformulated antifungal drugs for onychomycosis.
  • To assess advancements in topical therapies for improved nail penetration.
  • To highlight research trends emphasizing safer, patient-preferred treatments.

Main Methods:

  • Review of in vitro studies to Phase III clinical trials.
  • Discussion of new drugs like VT-1161, efinaconazole, tavaborole, ME1111, and off-label tazarotene.
  • Exploration of enhanced drug delivery methods, including UV curable gels and fractional CO2 laser for amorolfine.

Main Results:

  • Novel topical antifungals and reformulated drugs demonstrate significantly improved nail plate penetration.
  • New agents include topical azoles, benzoxaboroles, and a succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor.
  • Enhanced delivery systems show promise for increasing topical antifungal efficacy.

Conclusions:

  • Advancements in topical antifungals offer improved nail penetration and reduced adverse effects.
  • Patient demand and safety concerns drive the focus on topical therapy development.
  • Further research into combination therapies may be crucial given the limited number of new topical agents.
Keywords:
antifungalfungusnailonychomycosistreatment

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