Isavuconazonium sulfate: a new agent for the treatment of invasive aspergillosis and invasive mucormycosis

Introduction: Invasive fungal infections are serious and life-threatening complications of many of today’s medical enhancements. While we have seen an insurgence of new antifungal therapies on the market since the early 1990s that have contributed significantly to saving lives, there are still important gaps including narrow spectrum of activity, dose-limiting toxicities, or unpredictable pharmacokinetics. Isavuconazonium sulfate hopes to fill several of these gaps.

Areas covered: The in vitro and in vivo pharmacology, pharmacokinetic characteristics, and phase 3 clinical trials for isavuconazole are described with a specific focus on the treatment of invasive aspergillosis and mucormycosis. A literature search was conducted in PubMed as well as FDA and EMA websites, and abstracts from congress proceedings.

Expert Commentary: Isavuconazole’s pharmacokinetic profile, broad-spectrum antifungal activity, and clinical trial data make this new triazole a welcome addition to the armamentarium.