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Encochleated Amphotericin B: Is the Oral Availability of Amphotericin B Finally Reached?

Maria Aigner1, Cornelia Lass-Flörl1

  • 1Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Schöpfstraße 41, Innsbruck A-6020, Austria.

Journal of Fungi (Basel, Switzerland)
|May 24, 2020
PubMed

Insights

A new oral formulation of amphotericin B (AmB), known as encochleated AmB (CAmB), shows promise for treating invasive fungal infections. This novel delivery method reduces toxicity and offers oral availability, improving upon traditional intravenous treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Pharmacology
  • Nanotechnology

Background:

  • Amphotericin B (AmB) is a critical antifungal agent but suffers from toxicity and limited administration routes.
  • Current lipid formulations improve tolerability but increase costs and remain intravenous.
  • Invasive fungal diseases require effective and safer treatment options.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To introduce and evaluate a novel nanoparticle-based formulation of AmB, encochleated AmB (CAmB).
  • To assess the potential of CAmB for oral administration and reduced toxicity.
  • To highlight the development of CAmB (MAT2203) in ongoing clinical trials.

Main Methods:

  • Development of a nanoparticle formulation encapsulating AmB within a calcium-phospholipid anhydrous crystal.
  • Protection of AmB from degradation using the encochleated structure.
  • Evaluation of oral bioavailability and toxicity profiles.

Main Results:

  • CAmB protects amphotericin B from gastrointestinal degradation.
  • The formulation enables oral availability of AmB.
  • Reduced toxicity is anticipated compared to conventional AmB formulations.

Conclusions:

  • Encocleated AmB (CAmB) represents a significant advancement in antifungal drug delivery.
  • This novel formulation offers a potentially safer and more convenient oral treatment option for invasive fungal diseases.
  • Further clinical evaluation of CAmB (MAT2203) is warranted.
Keywords:
MAT2203amphotericin Bantifungalscochleatesoral availability

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