Isavuconazonium sulfate: a triazole prodrug for invasive fungal infections.

OBJECTIVE

To review the place in therapy of isavuconazole, the active metabolite of isavuconazonium sulfate, via a review of the available literature on drug chemistry, spectrum of activity, pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic profile and trials assessing clinical efficacy and safety.

METHODS

Relevant data, original research articles and reviews, were gathered primarily through the use of a PubMed database search. The search was conducted without date restrictions in order to collect both historical and recent data regarding isavuconazole.

KEY FINDINGS: Isavuconazole is a triazole currently approved not only for use in invasive aspergillosis and mucormycosis but also has demonstrable activity against Candida species and other common fungal pathogens. This drug has features which make it more clinically appealing compared to other azoles with similar indications. In specific, isavuconazole does not require a cyclodextrin vehicle due to its water solubility, and at present, does not require therapeutic drug monitoring. Moreover, isavuconazole has displayed improved safety and tolerability compared to voriconazole. Available data from Phase III clinical trials shows isavuconazole to be a possible therapeutic option to currently available therapies for which it is approved; however, clinical conclusions should be reserved until results have been published and more data from clinical use is reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Isavuconazole is a new triazole with broad-spectrum antifungal activity including invasive aspergillosis and mucormycosis.