Echinocandin Antifungals
7 compounds in this family, each with its recorded mechanism, routes of administration, safety notes and references to published literature.
- AminocandinAminocandin is an investigational echinocandin antifungal administered intravenously. It targets the fungal cell‑wall enzyme β‑1,3‑D‑glucan synthase, impairing cell‑wall synthesis in Candida and Aspergillus species. Pre‑clinical studies show activity against both drug‑susceptible and resistant isolates, and laboratory work suggests synergy with the antibiotic colistin.
- AnidulafunginAnidulafungin is an intravenously administered echinocandin antifungal approved for prescription use. It belongs to the lipopeptide class and is employed primarily as first‑line therapy for invasive Candida infections, including candidemia, where it has demonstrated superior clinical response compared with fluconazole in randomized studies.
- Basifungin
- CaspofunginCaspofungin is an intravenous echinocandin antifungal that is approved for the treatment of candidaemia and invasive candidiasis. It works by disrupting fungal cell‑wall synthesis and is administered as a daily infusion after a loading dose. Clinical trials have shown it to be non‑inferior to the investigational drug rezafungin, and it is considered a standard option for systemic Candida infections in adults.
- CilofunginCilofungin is an investigational echinocandin lipopeptide antifungal administered intravenously. Developed as a semisynthetic analogue of echinocandin B, it inhibits fungal cell‑wall synthesis and has been studied primarily for candidiasis in animal models and early clinical trials.
- MicafunginMicafungin is an approved echinocandin antifungal given by intravenous infusion for the treatment and prophylaxis of invasive fungal infections, especially those caused by Candida and Aspergillus species. It is a cyclic lipopeptide marketed under names such as Mycamine and is used in immunocompromised patients where serious, life‑threatening infections require potent therapy.
- RezafunginRezafungin (CD101, Rezzayo) is a next‑generation echinocandin antifungal approved for prescription use. Administered intravenously, it is designed for once‑weekly dosing and targets invasive Candida infections such as candidaemia and invasive candidiasis. Its lipopeptide structure confers a long plasma half‑life, allowing a simplified regimen compared with daily echinocandins.