Ibrexafungerp in the Treatment of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis

To review the pharmacology, efficacy, and safety of ibrexafungerp in the management of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC).

Literature was sought using PubMed (1966-February 2022) and EMBASE (1973-February 2022), and clinicaltrials.gov. Search terms included ibrexafungerp, SCY-078, and VVC.

All studies including humans and published in English with data assessing the efficacy and safety of ibrexafungerp for the treatment of VVC were evaluated.

A phase 2 dose-finding study found ibrexafungerp had similar efficacy to fluconazole in the clinical cure of VVC (51.9% vs 58.3%, respectively). Two phase 3 clinical trials demonstrated ibrexafungerp had statistical superiority over placebo for clinical cure in moderate to severe VVC (P < 0.001 and P = 0.023, respectively). The most frequently reported adverse reactions in the clinical trials were gastrointestinal-related symptoms. To date, data comparing efficacy of ibrexafungerp and topical imidazoles in the treatment of VVC are nonexistent.

Topical imidazoles and oral fluconazole are effective for the treatment of uncomplicated VVC. Due to increased resistance, limited fluconazole coverage for non-Candida albicans species, and potential for significant drug interactions associated with fluconazole use, alternative treatments for VVC are needed. Ibrexafungerp is a new oral triterpenoid antifungal agent indicated for the treatment of VVC. Additional clinical trials are needed to evaluate long-term safety data as well as efficacy and safety in specialty populations.

Ibrexafungerp, a recently approved triterpenoid antifungal agent, is an effective and well-tolerated option for the treatment of VVC.