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Caspofungin
Caspofungin (INN) (brand name Cancidas) is a lipopeptide antifungal drug from Merck & Co., Inc. discovered by James Balkovec, Regina Black and Frances A. Bouffard. It is a member of a new class of antifungals termed the echinocandins. It works by inhibiting the enzyme (1→3)-β-D-glucan synthase and thereby disturbing the integrity of the fungal cell wall. Caspofungin was the first inhibitor of fungal (1→3)-β-D-glucan synthesis to be approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration. Caspofungin is administered intravenously. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. Spectrum of Activity Caspofungin has been effective in treating fungal infections caused by ''Aspergillus'' and ''Candida'' species. It is a member of the echinocandin family, a new class of antifungal agents with broad spectrum of activity against all Candida species. In comparison to treatment with either fluconazole or Amphotericin B, all three drugs in this class ha ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Echinocandin
Echinocandins are a class of antifungal drugs that inhibit the synthesis of β-glucan in the fungal cell wall via noncompetitive inhibition of the enzyme 1,3-β glucan synthase. The class has been termed the " penicillin of antifungals," along with the related papulacandins, as their mechanism of action resembles that of penicillin in bacteria. β-glucans are carbohydrate polymers that are cross-linked with other fungal cell wall components, the fungal equivalent to bacterial peptidoglycan. Caspofungin, micafungin, and anidulafungin are semisynthetic echinocandin derivatives with limited clinical use due to their solubility, antifungal spectrum, and pharmacokinetic properties. Medical uses Drugs and drug candidates in this class are fungicidal against some yeasts (most species of ''Candida'', but not ''Cryptococcus'', '' Trichosporon'', and ''Rhodotorula''). Echinocandins also have displayed activity against ''Candida'' biofilms, especially in synergistic activity with ampho ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |