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The Patenting and Technological Trends in Candidiasis Treatment: A Systematic Review (2014-2018)
Izabel Almeida Alves1, Flávia Medeiros Savi2, Juliana de Vasconcelos C Braz3
1Universidade Regional Integrada do Alto Uruguai e das Missoes, Santo Angelo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
Background:
In the last few decades, mycoses caused by opportunistic fungi namely Candida species has gained significant attention. Such infections are very common and present high mortality rates, especially in immunocompromised patients. Currently, a limited number of antifungal drugs are available for the treatment of these infections and are also often related to severe adverse side effects. Therefore, new drugs and innovative technologies for the treatment of this infection are necessary.
Objective:
The aim of this study was to evaluate the development of new drugs, formulations, as well as patents for the treatment of infections caused by Candida spp.
Methods:
The present patent review was carried out through a specialized search database Espacenet. The patent selection was based on the following inclusion criteria: Recent patents published in English or Spanish containing candidiasis as the keyword in the title, abstract or full text. This survey was conducted in October and November 2018.
Results:
As a result of that, 22 patents were selected to the final selection, the most common routes of application were oral (n = 6), vaginal (n = 6), topical (n = 5) and others (n = 5). This fact is related to the clinical manifestations of candidiasis.
Conclusion:
Through this review, it was possible to identify significant improvements and advances in the area of antifungal therapeutic innovation research. In addition, we demonstrated the growing interest of academic and industrial groups in pharmaceutical development and novel formulations for the treatment of candidiasis. New therapeutic options can contribute to improve the quality of patient's life, prevent infections and promote the search for an innovative and effective treatment of Candida infections.
Insights
This patent review highlights advancements in antifungal drug development for Candida infections. New therapeutic options and formulations are emerging to combat these serious, often life-threatening mycoses.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Intellectual Property Law
Background:
- Opportunistic fungal infections caused by Candida species are a significant public health concern, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
- High mortality rates and limited, side-effect-prone antifungal treatments necessitate novel therapeutic strategies.
- The urgent need for innovative drugs and technologies to treat candidiasis is well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and evaluate recent patents related to the development of new drugs and formulations for treating Candida infections.
- To assess the landscape of pharmaceutical innovation and intellectual property in the field of candidiasis therapeutics.
Main Methods:
- A specialized patent search was conducted using the Espacenet database.
- Inclusion criteria focused on recent patents (published in English or Spanish) mentioning candidiasis.
- The survey was performed in October and November 2018, resulting in the selection of 22 relevant patents.
Main Results:
- Twenty-two patents were selected, indicating active research and development in candidiasis treatment.
- The most common routes of administration for patented antifungal therapies were oral (6 patents) and vaginal (6 patents), followed by topical (5 patents).
- The distribution of administration routes reflects the diverse clinical presentations of candidiasis.
Conclusions:
- Significant progress and advancements in antifungal therapeutic innovation have been identified.
- There is a clear and growing interest from academic and industrial sectors in developing novel pharmaceutical formulations for candidiasis.
- These new therapeutic options hold the potential to improve patient quality of life, prevent infections, and drive the development of effective Candida treatments.
