New Perspectives on Antimicrobial Agents: Isavuconazole.

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Pharmacology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Isavuconazole is an advanced-generation triazole antifungal.
• It is FDA-approved for invasive aspergillosis and mucormycosis.
• It is not indicated for invasive candidiasis due to lack of noninferiority to caspofungin.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the clinical utility of isavuconazole.
• To compare isavuconazole with voriconazole and posaconazole.
• To discuss the in vitro activity and pharmacokinetic profile of isavuconazole.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of isavuconazole's properties and clinical data.
• Comparison of isavuconazole with other azole antifungals.
• Analysis of in vitro activity, pharmacokinetics, and tolerability.

Main Results:

• Isavuconazole demonstrates broad-spectrum activity against yeasts, molds, and dimorphic fungi.
• Advantages include lack of QTc prolongation, predictable pharmacokinetics, fewer drug interactions, and improved tolerability compared to voriconazole.
• Limited data support its use in mucormycosis.

Conclusions:

• Isavuconazole is a valuable option for complex invasive fungal infections.
• Its favorable profile makes it an appealing alternative to other azoles.
• Further data are needed to define its role and optimal use in antifungal therapy.