Anidulafungin: review of a new echinocandin antifungal agent

Abstract

Anidulafungin (Vicuron Pharmaceuticals) is a new echinocandin antifungal with potent activity against Aspergillus and Candida spp. Anidulafungin is a noncompetitive inhibitor of (1,3)-β-d-glucan synthase within fungal cells. The drug is rapidly distributed and steady-state concentrations are achieved after the first dose, when a loading dose of twice the daily maintenance dose is given on day 1. Drug biotransformation occurs via chemical degradation, with no hepatic metabolism or renal elimination. A favorable pharmacokinetic profile and lack of significant drug interactions suggest that patients can receive anidulafungin without dosage adjustments. These characteristics, in addition to comparable efficacy to fluconazole (Diflucan^®, Pfizer Ltd) in the treatment of esophageal candidiasis, support further investigation of its use in the treatment of systemic fungal infections caused by Candida and Aspergillus spp.

• anidulafungin
• antifungal
• echinocandin
• fungal infections
• pharmacokinetics