Evaluation of VT-1161 for Treatment of Coccidioidomycosis in Murine Infection Models

Novel antifungals and treatment approaches to tackle resistance and improve outcomes of invasive fungal disease

SUMMARYFungal infections are on the rise, driven by a growing population at risk and climate change. Currently available antifungals include only five classes, and their utility and efficacy in antifungal treatment are limited by one or more of innate or acquired resistance in some fungi, poor penetration into "sequestered" sites, and agent-specific side effect which require frequent patient reassessment and monitoring. Agents with novel mechanisms, favorable pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles including good oral bioavailability, and fungicidal mechanism(s) are urgently needed. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of novel antifungal agents, with both improved known mechanisms of actions and new antifungal classes, currently in clinical development for treating invasive yeast, mold (filamentous fungi), Pneumocystis jirovecii infections, and dimorphic fungi (endemic mycoses). We further focus on inhaled antifungals and the role of immunotherapy in tackling fungal infections, and the specific PK/pharmacodynamic profiles, tissue distributions as well as drug-drug interactions of novel antifungals. Finally, we review antifungal resistance mechanisms, the role of use of antifungal pesticides in agriculture as drivers of drug resistance, and detail detection methods for antifungal resistance.

Advancements and challenges in antifungal therapeutic development

Over recent decades, the global burden of fungal disease has expanded dramatically. It is estimated that fungal disease kills approximately 1.5 million individuals annually; however, the true worldwide burden of fungal infection is thought to be higher due to existing gaps in diagnostics and clinical understanding of mycotic disease. The development of resistance to antifungals across diverse pathogenic fungal genera is an increasingly common and devastating phenomenon due to the dearth of available antifungal classes. These factors necessitate a coordinated response by researchers, clinicians, public health agencies, and the pharmaceutical industry to develop new antifungal strategies, as the burden of fungal disease continues to grow. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the new antifungal therapeutics currently in clinical trials, highlighting their spectra of activity and progress toward clinical implementation. We also profile up-and-coming intracellular proteins and pathways primed for the development of novel antifungals targeting their activity. Ultimately, we aim to emphasize the importance of increased investment into antifungal therapeutics in the current continually evolving landscape of infectious disease.

Coccidioidomycosis Osteoarticular Dissemination

Valley fever or coccidioidomycosis is a pulmonary infection caused by species of Coccidioides fungi that are endemic to California and Arizona. Skeletal coccidioidomycosis accounts for about half of disseminated infections, with the vertebral spine being the preferred site of dissemination. Most cases of skeletal coccidioidomycosis progress to bone destruction or spread to adjacent structures such as joints, tendons, and other soft tissues, causing significant pain and restricting mobility. Manifestations of such cases are usually nonspecific, making diagnosis very challenging, especially in non-endemic areas. The lack of basic knowledge and research data on the mechanisms defining susceptibility to extrapulmonary infection, especially when it involves bones and joints, prompted us to survey available clinical and animal data to establish specific research questions that remain to be investigated. In this review, we explore published literature reviews, case reports, and case series on the dissemination of coccidioidomycosis to bones and/or joints. We highlight key differential features with other conditions and opportunities for mechanistic and basic research studies that can help develop novel diagnostic, prognostic, and treatment strategies.

Oteseconazole: a long-awaited diversification of the antifungal arsenal to manage recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC)

INTRODUCTION

Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) affects women worldwide and has far-reaching implications for a patient's quality of life. For decades, maintenance treatment using the azole antifungal fluconazole was the preferred treatment. Although efficient in controlling the symptoms, the development of azole resistance and high rates of recurrence after therapy cessation have emerged as significant limitations. Nevertheless, persistent efforts have delivered novel treatment options. Oteseconazole (VT-1161), marketed as VIVJOA, is an oral, tetrazole antifungal with unprecedented specificity toward the fungal lanosterol 14α-demethylase.

AREAS COVERED

We reviewed literature data on oteseconazole with a focus on the management of RVVC.

EXPERT OPINION

Therapeutic options for RVVC are limited, and novel, innovative approaches are needed to treat this debilitating condition. These therapies need to be well-tolerated and prevent RVVC recurrence. The available clinical data show excellent safety and efficacy, with an unprecedentedly low recurrence rate. However, we believe health-care providers should be mindful to monitor for the development of resistance, as this may result in treatment failure. Further, the availability and cost may, like for most novel drugs, affect the widespread clinical implementation of VIVJOA. Altogether, we are convinced that VIVJOA is a significant advance in RVVC management.

Modeling Chronic Coccidioidomycosis in Mice

Coccidioidomycosis, caused by the dimorphic pathogens Coccidioides posadasii and C. immitis, is a fungal disease endemic to the southwestern United States, Mexico, and some regions of Central and South America. The mouse is the primary model for studying pathology and immunology of disease. Mice in general are extremely susceptible to Coccidioides spp., which creates challenges in studying the adaptive immune responses that are required for host control of coccidioidomycosis. Here, we describe how to infect mice to model asymptomatic infection with controlled, chronic granulomas and a slowly progressive but ultimately fatal infection that has kinetics more similar to the human disease.

New Antifungal Agents with Azole Moieties

Fungal conditions affect a multitude of people worldwide, leading to increased hospitalization and mortality rates, and the need for novel antifungals is emerging with the rise of resistance and immunocompromised patients. Continuous use of azole drugs, which act by inhibiting the fungal CYP51, involved in the synthesis of ergosterol, essential to the fungal cell membrane, has enhanced the resistance and tolerance of some fungal strains to treatment, thereby limiting the arsenal of available drugs. The goal of this review is to gather literature information on new promising azole developments in clinical trials, with in vitro and in vivo results against fungal strains, and complementary assays, such as toxicity, susceptibility assays, docking studies, among others. Several molecules are reviewed as novel azole structures in clinical trials and with recent/imminent approvals, as well as other innovative molecules with promising antifungal activity. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies are displayed whenever possible. The azole moiety is brought over as a privileged structure, with multiple different compounds emerging with distinct pharmacophores and SAR. Particularly, 1,2,3-triazole natural product conjugates emerged in the last years, presenting promising antifungal activity and a broad spectrum against various fungi.

Pharmacodynamics, Mechanisms of Action and Resistance, and Spectrum of Activity of New Antifungal Agents

Several new antifungals are currently in late-stage development, including those with novel pharmacodynamics/mechanisms of action that represent new antifungal classes (manogepix, olorofim, ATI-2307, GR-2397). Others include new agents within established classes or with mechanisms of action similar to clinically available antifungals (ibrexafungerp, rezafungin, oteseconazole, opelconazole, MAT2203) that have been modified in order to improve certain characteristics, including enhanced pharmacokinetics and greater specificity for fungal targets. Many of the antifungals under development also have activity against Candida and Aspergillus strains that have reduced susceptibility or acquired resistance to azoles and echinocandins, whereas others demonstrate activity against species that are intrinsically resistant to most clinically available antifungals. The tolerability and drug–drug interaction profiles of these new agents also appear to be promising, although the number of human subjects that have been exposed to many of these agents remains relatively small. Overall, these agents have the potential for expanding our antifungal armamentarium and improving clinical outcomes in patients with invasive mycoses.

Current Landscape of Coccidioidomycosis

Coccidioidomycosis, also known as Valley fever, is an endemic fungal infection commonly found in the southwestern parts of the United States. However, the disease has seen an increase in both in its area of residency and its prevalence. This review compiles some of the latest information on the epidemiology, current and in-development pharmaceutical approaches to treat the disease, trends and projections, diagnostic concerns, and the overlapping dynamics of coccidioidomycosis and COVID-19, including in special populations. This review provides an overview of the current diagnostic and therapeutic strategies and identifies areas of future development.

Novel antifungal agents in clinical trials

Invasive fungal diseases due to resistant yeasts and molds are an important and increasing public health threat, likely due to a growing population of immunosuppressed hosts, increases in antifungal resistance, and improvements in laboratory diagnostics.  The significant morbidity and mortality associated with these pathogens bespeaks the urgent need for novel safe and effective therapeutics.  This review highlights promising investigational antifungal agents in clinical phases of development: fosmanogepix, ibrexafungerp, rezafungin, encochleated amphotericin B, oteseconazole (VT-1161), VT-1598, PC945, and olorofim.  We discuss three first-in-class members of three novel antifungal classes, as well as new agents within existing antifungal classes with improved safety and tolerability profiles due to enhanced pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties.

Oteseconazole: an advance in treatment of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis

Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) has significant disease, financial and quality-of-life burdens, affects women from all strata of society worldwide, and lacks an approved therapeutic solution. Fluconazole emerged in 2004 as an antifungal for RVVC; it provides symptom control and has been accepted worldwide as a first-line treatment. Its limitations include the development of resistance and a high rate of vulvovaginal candidiasis recurrence after therapy cessation. There is now an improved treatment option on the horizon: oteseconazole - a novel, oral, selective fungal cytochrome P450 enzyme 51 inhibitor, designed to avoid off-target toxicities. In clinical studies to date, oteseconazole has demonstrated impressive efficacy, a positive tolerability profile and hope for a superior RVVC treatment option.

Advances in anti-fungal therapies

Anti-fungal therapies remain sub-optimal, and resistant pathogens are increasing. New therapies are desperately needed, especially options that are less toxic than most of the currently available selection. In this review, I will discuss anti-fungal therapies that are in at least phase I human trials. These include VT-1161 and VT-1598, modified azoles with a tetrazole metal-binding group; the echinocandin rezafugin; the novel β-1,3-d-glucan synthase inhibitor ibrexafungerp; fosmanogepix, a novel anti-fungal targeting Gwt1; the arylamidine T-2307; the dihydroorotate inhibitor olorofim; and the cyclic hexapeptide ASP2397. The available data including spectrum of activity, toxicity and stage of clinical development will be discussed for each of these so clinicians are aware of promising anti-fungal agents with a strong likelihood of clinical availability in the next 5–7 years.

How urgent is the need for new antifungals?

Introduction: Invasive fungal infection carries a high morbidity, mortality and economic cost. In recent times, a rising incidence of fungal infection and antifungal resistance is occurring which has prompted the development of novel antifungal agents.Areas covered:In this perspective, the authors describe the current status of registered antifungals and their limitations in the treatment of invasive fungal infection. They also go on to describe the new antifungal agents that are in the clinical stage of development and how they might be best utilized in patient care in the future.Expert opinion: The antifungal drug development pipeline has responded to a growing need for new agents to effectively treat fungal disease without concomitant toxicity or issues with drug tolerance. Olorofim (F901318), ibrexafungerp (SCY-078), fosmanogepix (APX001), rezafungin (CD101), oteseconazole (VT-1161), encochleated amphotericin B (MAT2203), nikkomycin Z (NikZ) and ATI-2307 are all in the clinical stage of development and offer great promise in offering clinicians better agents to treat these difficult infections.

Novel antifungal agents in clinical trials

Invasive fungal diseases due to resistant yeasts and molds are an important and increasing public health threat, likely due to a growing population of immunosuppressed hosts, increases in antifungal resistance, and improvements in laboratory diagnostics.  The significant morbidity and mortality associated with these pathogens bespeaks the urgent need for novel safe and effective therapeutics.  This review highlights promising investigational antifungal agents in clinical phases of development: fosmanogepix, ibrexafungerp, rezafungin, encochleated amphotericin B, oteseconazole (VT-1161), VT-1598, PC945, and olorofim.  We discuss three first-in-class members of three novel antifungal classes, as well as new agents within existing antifungal classes with improved safety and tolerability profiles due to enhanced pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties.

In vitro activities of the tetrazole VT-1161 compared with itraconazole and fluconazole against Cryptococcus and non-albicans Candida species

Recently, Cryptococcus and non-albicans Candida (NAC) have emerged as health-threatening pathogens for clinical fungal infections. Due to their increased resistance to existing antifungal drugs, novel antifungals are urgently needed. In this study, we evaluated the antifungal effect of VT-1161 and its comparators itraconazole and fluconazole against common fluconazole-sensitive or -resistant Cryptococcus and NAC strains. The tested strains were obtained from Chinese patients by the Invasive Fungal Infection Group within the past 2 years. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of VT-1161 and other triazoles were measured according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) M27-Ed4 guidelines. We found that VT-1161 exhibited strong in vitro activity against Cryptococcus spp.. VT-1161 (geometric mean MIC = 0.024 μg/mL) was 21.7-fold and 104.5-fold more potent than itraconazole and fluconazole, respectively. Against the seven Cryptococcus neoformans isolates with higher fluconazole MICs (≥8 μg/mL based on the MIC₉₀ value of this azole), VT-1161 maintained potent activities, with MICs ranging between 0.031 and 0.5 μg/mL. For NAC spp., VT-1161 (geometric mean MIC = 0.099 μg/mL) was 6.0-fold and 11.4-fold more effective than itraconazole and fluconazole, respectively. There is a positive correlation of the MICs between VT-1161 and itraconazole/fluconazole. The MIC values of VT-1161 against Candida glabrata and Candida tropicalis were significantly lower than those of fluconazole, whereas for Candida parapsilosis the differences in the MIC values between VT-1161 and fluconazole were not statistically significant. The results showed that tetrazole VT-1161 might be a promising candidate for treating Cryptococcus and NAC infections.

Molecular and genetic basis of azole antifungal resistance in the opportunistic pathogenic fungus Candida albicans

Candida albicans is an opportunistic yeast and the major human fungal pathogen in the USA, as well as in many other regions of the world. Infections with C. albicans can range from superficial mucosal and dermatological infections to life-threatening infections of the bloodstream and vital organs. The azole antifungals remain an important mainstay treatment of candidiasis and therefore the investigation and understanding of the evolution, frequency and mechanisms of azole resistance are vital to improving treatment strategies against this organism. Here the organism C. albicans and the genetic changes and molecular bases underlying the currently known resistance mechanisms to the azole antifungal class are reviewed, including up-regulated expression of efflux pumps, changes in the expression and amino acid composition of the azole target Erg11 and alterations to the organism's typical sterol biosynthesis pathways. Additionally, we update what is known about activating mutations in the zinc cluster transcription factor (ZCF) genes regulating many of these resistance mechanisms and review azole import as a potential contributor to azole resistance. Lastly, investigations of azole tolerance in C. albicans and its implicated clinical significance are reviewed.

Promising antifungal agents: A minireview

In the recent past, prevalence of life threatening fungal diseases have increased rapidly in immune-compromised cases such as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), cancer, organ transplant etc. Side by side, the appearance of drug resistance to the presently available antifungal therapeutics is on a rapid rise. It has become a top priority for the academia and pharmaceutical industries to develop new antifungal agents able to combat this resistance, and at the same time, possess potential broad spectrum of activity and minimum toxicity. An understanding of the pharmacological interactions between antifungal agents and their targets offers opportunities for design of new therapeutics. This review discusses the various methodology of drug design, structure activity relationships (SARs), and mode of action of variety of new antifungal agents.

New and Promising Chemotherapeutics for Emerging Infections Involving Drug-resistant Non-albicans Candida Species

Fungal infections are a veritable public health problem worldwide. The increasing number of patient populations at risk (e.g. transplanted individuals, cancer patients, and HIV-infected people), as well as the use of antifungal agents for prophylaxis in medicine, have favored the emergence of previously rare or newly identified fungal species. Indeed, novel antifungal resistance patterns have been observed, including environmental sources and the emergence of simultaneous resistance to different antifungal classes, especially in Candida spp., which are known for the multidrug-resistance (MDR) profile. In order to circumvent this alarming scenario, the international researchers' community is engaged in discovering new, potent, and promising compounds to be used in a near future to treat resistant fungal infections in hospital settings on a global scale. In this context, many compounds with antifungal action from both natural and synthetic sources are currently under clinical development, including those that target either ergosterol or β(1,3)-D-glucan, presenting clear evidence of pharmacologic/pharmacokinetic advantages over currently available drugs against these two well-known fungal target structures. Among these are the tetrazoles VT-1129, VT-1161, and VT-1598, the echinocandin CD101, and the glucan synthase inhibitor SCY-078. In this review, we compiled the most recent antifungal compounds that are currently in clinical trials of development and described the potential outcomes against emerging and rare Candida species, with a focus on C. auris, C. dubliniensis, C. glabrata, C. guilliermondii, C. haemulonii, and C. rugosa. In addition to possibly overcoming the limitations of currently available antifungals, new investigational chemical agents that can enhance the classic antifungal activity, thereby reversing previously resistant phenotypes, were also highlighted. While novel and increasingly MDR non-albicans Candida species continue to emerge worldwide, novel strategies for rapid identification and treatment are needed to combat these life-threatening opportunistic fungal infections.

Hope on the Horizon: Novel Fungal Treatments in Development

The treatment of invasive fungal infections remains challenging due to limitations in currently available antifungal therapies including toxicity, interactions, restricted routes of administration, and drug resistance. This review focuses on novel therapies in clinical development, including drugs and a device. These drugs have novel mechanisms of action to overcome resistance, and some offer new formulations providing distinct advantages over current therapies to improve safety profiles and reduce interactions. Among agents that target the cell wall, 2 glucan synthesis inhibitors are discussed (rezafungin and ibrexafungerp), as well as fosmanogepix and nikkomycin Z. Agents that target the cell membrane include 3 fourth-generation azoles, oral encochleated amphotericin B, and aureobasidin A. Among agents with intracellular targets, we will review olorofim, VL-2397, T-2307, AR-12, and MGCD290. In addition, we will describe neurapheresis, a device used as adjunctive therapy for cryptococcosis. With a field full of novel treatments for fungal infections, the future looks promising.

VT-1598 inhibits the in vitro growth of mucosal Candida strains and protects against fluconazole-susceptible and -resistant oral candidiasis in IL-17 signalling-deficient mice

Background

Chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis (CMC) treatment often induces drug resistance, posing long-term challenges. A novel broad-spectrum fungal CYP51 inhibitor, VT-1598, specifically targets fungal CYP51, but not human CYP enzymes.

Objectives

To determine the efficacy of VT-1598 in the treatment of oral Candida infection caused by fluconazole-susceptible and -resistant clinical isolates.

Methods

The MICs of VT-1598 and fluconazole for 28 Candida isolates recovered from patients with inherited CMC were determined using CLSI M27-A3 and M27-S4 guidelines. Plasma and tongue VT-1598 or fluconazole concentrations were measured in mice following oral administration to determine tissue distribution. Tongue fungal load was determined in IL-17 signalling-deficient Act1-/- mice following sublingual Candida albicans infection and oral treatment with fluconazole or VT-1598.

Results

Among the 28 Candida isolates, 10 (36%) had fluconazole MICs of ≥4 mg/L, whereas VT-1598 demonstrated potent in vitro activity against all isolates (MIC90, 0.125 mg/L). After oral administration, VT-1598 levels in mouse plasma and tongue were significantly greater than those of fluconazole. In vivo, VT-1598 exhibited significant efficacy against fluconazole-susceptible and -resistant C. albicans, even at low drug doses. Furthermore, after a 10 day washout period, tongue fungal burdens in fluconazole-treated mice returned to vehicle control levels, whereas, in contrast, they were undetectable in mice treated with VT-1598.

Conclusions

VT-1598 effectively controls in vitro growth of mucosally derived Candida clinical isolates, including fluconazole-resistant strains. In vivo, VT-1598 eliminates C. albicans, even after a long washout period or at low doses. Therefore, VT-1598 is a promising drug candidate that may significantly improve treatment options for CMC patients.

Drugs in Clinical Development for Fungal Infections

Despite increasing rates of invasive fungal infections being reported globally, only a single antifungal drug has been approved during the last decade. Resistance, toxicity, drug interactions and restricted routes of administration remain unresolved issues. This review focuses on new antifungal compounds which are currently in various clinical phases of development. We discuss two azoles with a tetrazole moiety that allows selective activity against the fungal CYP: VT-1161 for Candida infections and VT-1129 for cryptococcal meningoencephalitis. We also discuss two glucan synthesis inhibitors: CD101, an echinocandin with an increased half-life, and SCY-078 with oral bioavailability and increased activity against echinocandin-resistant isolates. Among the polyenes, we discuss MAT023, an encochleated amphotericin B formulation that allows oral administration. Two novel classes of antifungal drugs are also described: glycosylphosphatidylinositol inhibitors, and the leading drug APX001, which disrupt the integrity of the fungal wall; and the orotomides, inhibitors of pyrimidine synthesis with the leading drug F901318. Finally, a chitin synthesis inhibitor and progress on human monoclonal antifungal antibodies are discussed.

The Fungal Cyp51-Specific Inhibitor VT-1598 Demonstrates In Vitro and In Vivo Activity against Candida auris

Candida auris is an emerging pathogen associated with significant mortality and often multidrug resistance. VT-1598, a tetrazole-based fungal CYP51-specific inhibitor, was evaluated in vitro and in vivo against C. auris Susceptibility testing was performed against 100 clinical isolates of C. auris by broth microdilution. Neutropenic mice were infected intravenously with C. auris, and treatment began 24 h postinoculation with a vehicle control, oral VT-1598 (5, 15, and 50 mg/kg of body weight once daily), oral fluconazole (20 mg/kg once daily), or intraperitoneal caspofungin (10 mg/kg once daily), which continued for 7 days. Fungal burden was assessed in the kidneys and brains on day 8 in the fungal burden arm and on the days the mice succumbed to infection or on day 21 in the survival arm. VT-1598 plasma trough concentrations were also assessed on day 8. VT-1598 demonstrated in vitro activity against C. auris, with a mode MIC of 0.25 μg/ml and MICs ranging from 0.03 to 8 μg/ml. Treatment with VT-1598 resulted in significant and dose-dependent improvements in survival (median survival, 15 and >21 days for VT-1598 at 15 and 50 mg/kg, respectively) and reductions in kidney and brain fungal burden (reductions of 1.88 to 3.61 log₁₀ CFU/g) compared to the control (5 days). The reductions in fungal burden correlated with plasma trough concentrations. Treatment with caspofungin, but not fluconazole, also resulted in significant improvements in survival and reductions in fungal burden compared to those with the control. These results suggest that VT-1598 may be a future option for the treatment of invasive infections caused by C. auris.

The Fungal CYP51s: Their Functions, Structures, Related Drug Resistance, and Inhibitors

CYP51 (Erg11) belongs to the cytochrome P450 monooxygenase (CYP) superfamily and mediates a crucial step of the synthesis of ergosterol, which is a fungal-specific sterol. It is also the target of azole drugs in clinical practice. In recent years, researches on fungal CYP51 have stepped into a new stage attributing to the discovery of crystal structures of the homologs in Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans and Aspergillus fumigatus. This review summarizes the functions, structures of fungal CYP51 proteins, and the inhibitors targeting these homologs. In particular, several drug-resistant mechanisms associated with the fungal CYP51s are introduced. The sequences and crystal structures of CYP51 proteins in different fungal species are also compared. These will provide new insights for the advancement of research on antifungal agents.

Azole Resistance Reduces Susceptibility to the Tetrazole Antifungal VT-1161

Tetrazole antifungals designed to target fungal lanosterol 14α-demethylase (LDM) appear to be effective against a range of fungal pathogens. In addition, a crystal structure of the catalytic domain of Candida albicans LDM in complex with the tetrazole VT-1161 has been obtained. We have addressed concern about artifacts that might arise from crystallizing VT-1161 with truncated recombinant CYP51s and measured the impact on VT-1161 susceptibility of genotypes known to confer azole resistance. A yeast system was used to overexpress recombinant full-length Saccharomyces cerevisiae LDM with a C-terminal hexahistidine tag (ScLDM6×His) for phenotypic analysis and crystallographic studies with VT-1161 or with the widely used triazole drug posaconazole (PCZ). We determined the effect of characterized mutations in LDM on VT-1161 activity and identified drug efflux pumps from fungi, including key fungal pathogens, that efflux VT-1161. The relevance of these yeast-based observations on drug efflux was verified using clinical isolates of C. albicans and Candida glabrata VT-1161 binding elicits a significant conformational difference between the full-length and truncated enzymes not found when posaconazole is bound. Susceptibility to VT-1161 is reduced by ATP-binding cassette (ABC) and major facilitator superfamily (MFS) drug efflux pumps, the overexpression of LDM, and mutations within the drug binding pocket of LDM that affect interaction with the tertiary alcohol of the drug.

Synthesis of tetrazole derivatives bearing pyrrolidine scaffold and evaluation of their antifungal activity against Candida albicans

The increase of opportunistic fungal infections raises the need for design and synthesis of new antifungal agents. Taking into account that tetrazole derivatives exhibit antifungal activity, and some of them are in the phase of clinical trials, new tetrazole derivatives bearing pyrrolidine moiety were synthesized in order to present their action mode against C. albicans. The target compounds were obtained by N-alkylation of various 2-arylpyrrolidines with several 1-(3-chloropropyl)-5-aryl-2H-tetrazoles. Regardless of the substituents at tetrazole or pyrrolidine rings reactions took place in 48 h and with satisfactory yields ranging from 53 to 70%. We performed screen of the synthesized compounds to identify these nontoxic inhibiting the C. albicans planktonic and sessile cells, and conducted a series of follow up studies to examine the in vitro and in vivo activity of the most potent antifungals. The leading antifungal inhibitor: 2-{3-[2-(3-Methylphenyl)pyrrolidin-1-yl]propyl}-5-phenyl-2H-tetrazole (3aC) and the randomly selected ones: 5-phenyl-2-[3-(2-phenylpyrrolidin-1-yl)propyl]-2H-tetrazole (3aA), 5-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-{3-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)pyrrolidin-1-yl]propyl}-2H-tetrazole (3cD), and 5-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-{3-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)pyrrolidin-1-yl]propyl}-2H-tetrazole (3cE) showed little to no toxicity against the Vero cell line and Galleria mellonella. 3aC and 3aD, the most active against biofilm in vitro, demonstrated in vivo activity in the invertebrate model of disseminated candidiasis. Flow cytometry analysis showed that necrotic cell death was generated under 3aC due to its interactions with the fungal membrane; this confirmed by the mitochondrial damage (XTT assay) and reduced adhesion to the TR-146 cell line at 46.05 μM. Flow cytometry was used to directly measure the redox state of the treated cells with the fluorescent DCFH probe. Pro-necrotic tetrazole derivatives (3aA, 3aC, 3cD) are unable to induce ROS production in the C. albicans cells. Moreover, CLSM analyses revealed that the tetrazole derivatives (principally 3aC, 3aD, and 3aE) inhibit C. albicans' ability to neutralize macrophages; a more effective phagosomes organisation was observed. 3aC's and 3aD's activity reflected in an attenuation of virulence in disseminated candidiasis in vivo.

VT-1161 protects mice against oropharyngeal candidiasis caused by fluconazole-susceptible and -resistant Candida albicans

Background

Candida albicans, the most common human fungal pathogen, causes chronic mucosal infections in patients with inborn errors of IL-17 immunity that rely heavily on chronic, often lifelong, azole antifungal agents for treatment. However, a rise in azole resistance has predicated a need for developing new antifungal drugs.

Objectives

To test the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of VT-1161 and VT-1129 in the treatment of oropharyngeal candidiasis with azole-susceptible or -resistant C. albicans strains.

Methods

MICs of VT-1161, VT-1129 and nine licensed antifungal drugs were determined for 31 Candida clinical isolates. The drug concentrations in mouse serum and tongues were measured following oral administration. IL-17-signalling-deficient Act1-/- mice were infected with fluconazole-susceptible or fluconazole-resistant C. albicans strains, and the amount of mucosal fungal burden was determined after fluconazole or VT-1161 treatment.

Results

Fourteen isolates (45%) were not fluconazole susceptible (MIC ≥4 mg/L). VT-1161 and VT-1129 showed significant in vitro activity against the majority of the 31 mucosal clinical isolates (MIC50 0.03 and 0.06 mg/L, respectively), including Candida glabrata (MIC50, 0.125 and 0.25 mg/L, respectively). After oral doses, VT-1161 and VT-1129 concentrations in mouse serum and tongues were well above their MIC50 values. VT-1161 was highly effective as treatment of both fluconazole-susceptible and -resistant oropharyngeal candidiasis in Act1-/- mice.

Conclusions

VT-1129 and VT-1161 exhibit significant in vitro activity against Candida strains, including fluconazole-resistant C. albicans and C. glabrata. VT-1161 administration in mice results in significant mucosal drug accumulation and eradicates infection caused by fluconazole-susceptible and -resistant Candida strains.

The Novel Fungal Cyp51 Inhibitor VT-1598 Is Efficacious in Experimental Models of Central Nervous System Coccidioidomycosis Caused by Coccidioides posadasii and Coccidioides immitis

Coccidioidal meningitis can cause significant morbidity, and lifelong antifungal therapy is often required. VT-1598 is a fungus-specific Cyp51 inhibitor that has potent in vitro activity against Coccidioides species. We evaluated the in vivo efficacy of VT-1598 in murine models of central nervous system coccidioidomycosis caused by C. posadasii and C. immitis Infection was introduced via intracranial inoculation, and therapy began 48 h postinoculation. Oral treatments consisted of vehicle control, VT-1598, and positive controls of fluconazole in the C. immitis study and VT-1161 in the C. posadasii study. Treatment continued for 7 and 14 days in the fungal-burden and survival studies, respectively. Fungal burden was assessed in brain tissue collected 24 to 48 h posttreatment in the fungal-burden studies, on the days the mice succumbed to infection, or at prespecified endpoints in the survival studies. VT-1598 plasma concentrations were also measured in the C. posadasii study. VT-1598 resulted in significant improvements in survival in mice infected with either species. In addition, the fungal burden was significantly reduced in the fungal-burden studies. Plasma concentrations 48 h after dosing stopped remained above the VT-1598 MIC against the C. posadasii isolate, although levels were undetectable in the survival study after a 4-week washout. Whereas fungal burden remained suppressed after a 2-week washout in the C. immitis model, a higher fungal burden was observed in the survival arm of the C. posadasii model. This in vivo efficacy supports human studies to establish the utility of VT-1598 for the treatment of coccidioidomycosis.

New 1,5 and 2,5-disubstituted tetrazoles-dependent activity towards surface barrier of Candida albicans

A series of novel tetrazole derivatives was synthetized using N-alkylation or Michael-type addition reactions, and screened for their fungistatic potential against Candida albicans (the lack of endpoint = 100%). Among them, the selected compounds 2d, 4b, and 6a differing in substituents at the tetrazole ring were non-toxic to Galleria mellonella larvae in vivo and exerted slight toxicity against Caco-2 in vitro (CC₅₀ at 256 μg/mL). An antagonistic effect of tetrazole derivatives 2d, 4b, and 6a respectively in combination with Fluconazole was shown using the checker board and colorimetric methods (fractional inhibitory concentration indexes FICIs >1). The most active 2d and 6a displayed an inverse relation between MICs in the presence of exogenous ergosterol, the effect was opposite to Itraconazole and Amphotericin B. The differences between 6a's and 2d's action mode were noted. Combining both flow cytometry and fluorescence image analyses respectively showed the complexity of planktonic and biofilm cell demise mode under the tetrazole derivatives tested. The following evidences for 6a's interaction with fungal membrane were noted: necrosis-like programmed cell death (97.03 ± 0.88), DNA denaturation (no laddering), mitochondrial damage (XTT assay), reduced adhesion to human epithelium (>50% at 0.0313 μg/mL, p ≤ .05), irregular deposit of chitin, and attenuated morphogenesis in mature biofilm. The treatment with 6a reduced pathogenicity of C. albicans during infection in G. mellonella. Contrariwise, 2d enhancing fungal adhesion displayed mechanism targeted to the cell wall (due to the presence of 3-chloropropyl clubbed with aryltetrazole) in the presence of osmotic protector. Under 2d, the accidental cell death (88.60% ± 4.81) was observed. In conclusion, all tetrazole derivatives were obtained in satisfactory yields (60-95%) using efficient, simple and not expensive methods. Fungistatic and slightly anticancer tetrazole derivatives with the novel action mode can circumvent an appearance of antifungal-resistant strains. These results indicate that they are worthy of further studies.

Antifungals discovery: an insight into new strategies to combat antifungal resistance

Undeniably, new antifungal treatments are necessary against pathogenic fungi. Fungal infections have significantly increased in recent decades, being highlighted as important causes of morbidity and mortality, particularly in immunocompromised patients. Five main antifungal classes are used: (i) azoles, (ii) echinocandins, (iii) polyenes, (iv) allylamines and (v) pyrimidine analogues. Moreover, the treatment of mycoses has several limitations, such as undesirable side effects, narrow activity spectrum, a small number of targets and fungal resistance, which are still of major concern in clinical practice. The discovery of new antifungals is mostly achieved by the screening of natural or synthetic/semisynthetic chemical compounds. The most recent discoveries in drug resistance mechanism and their avoidance were explored in a review, focusing on different antifungal targets, as well as new agents or strategies, such as combination therapy, that could improve antifungal therapy.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The failure to respond to antifungal therapy is complex and is associated with microbiological resistance and increased expression of virulence in fungal pathogens. Thus, this review offers an overview of current challenges in the treatment of fungal infections associated with increased antifungal drug resistance and the formation of biofilms in these opportunistic pathogens. Furthermore, the most recent and potential strategies to combat fungal pathogens are explored here, focusing on new agents as well as innovative approaches, such as combination therapy between antifungal drugs or with natural compounds.

Novel Agents and Drug Targets to Meet the Challenges of Resistant Fungi

The emergence of drug-resistant fungi poses a major threat to human health. Despite advances in preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic interventions, resistant fungal infections continue to cause significant morbidity and mortality in patients with compromised immunity, underscoring the urgent need for new antifungal agents. In this article, we review the challenges associated with identifying broad-spectrum antifungal drugs and highlight novel targets that could enhance the armamentarium of agents available to treat drug-resistant invasive fungal infections.

The antifungal arsenal: alternative drugs and future targets

Clinically available antifungals for the treatment of invasive fungal infections primarily target either ergosterol in the fungal cell membrane or 1,3-β-D-glucan in the fungal cell wall. These classes include the polyene amphotericin B, the triazoles, and the echinocandins. Although newer antifungals and improved formulations of others have advanced our ability to treat patients with invasive mycoses, these drugs are often limited by toxicities, drug interactions, and the need for intravenous administration. Several investigational agents are currently under development. These include those that also target either ergosterol or 1,3-β-D-glucan, but have advantages over currently available drugs. Among these are the tetrazoles VT-1129, VT-1161, and VT-1598 that are more specific for fungal Cyp51 and less so for mammalian CYP 450 enzymes, the echinocandin CD101 that has an extended half-life, and the glucan synthase inhibitor SCY-078, which is being developed for oral administration. In addition, several agents with novel mechanisms of action are also under development. These include the inositol acyltransferase AX001, the dihydroorotate dehydrogenase inhibitor F901318, and VL-2397, which is similar in structure to the siderophore ferrichrome. In addition to possibly overcoming the limitations of currently available antifungals, these newer agents may be less susceptible to mechanisms of resistance that may render antifungals ineffective. Each of these investigational agents has the potential to improve patient outcomes in the treatment of invasive mycoses.

Antifungal resistance: current trends and future strategies to combat

Antifungal resistance represents a major clinical challenge to clinicians responsible for treating invasive fungal infections due to the limited arsenal of systemically available antifungal agents. In addition current drugs may be limited by drug-drug interactions and serious adverse effects/toxicities that prevent their prolonged use or dosage escalation. Fluconazole resistance is of particular concern in non-Candida albicans species due to the increased incidence of infections caused by these species in different geographic locations worldwide and the elevated prevalence of resistance to this commonly used azole in many institutions. C. glabrata resistance to the echinocandins has also been documented to be rising in several US institutions, and a higher percentage of these isolates may also be azole resistant. Azole resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus due to clinical and environmental exposure to this class of agents has also been found worldwide, and these isolates can cause invasive infections with high mortality rates. In addition, several species of Aspergillus, and other molds, including Scedosporium and Fusarium species, have reduced susceptibility or pan-resistance to clinically available antifungals. Various investigational antifungals are currently in preclinical or clinical development, including several of them that have the potential to overcome resistance observed against the azoles and the echinocandins. These include agents that also target ergosterol and b-glucan biosynthesis, as well as compounds with novel mechanisms of action that may also overcome the limitations of currently available antifungal classes, including both resistance and adverse effects/toxicity.

Prophylactic Treatment with VT-1161 Protects Immunosuppressed Mice from Rhizopus arrhizus var. arrhizus Infection

We compared prophylactic or continuous therapy with the investigational drug VT-1161 to that with posaconazole in treating murine mucormycosis due to Rhizopus arrhizus var. arrhizus In the prophylaxis studies, only VT-1161 resulted in improved survival and lowered tissue fungal burden of immunosuppressed infected mice. In the continuous therapy, VT-1161 outperformed posaconazole in prolonging mouse survival time despite its comparable effect in lowering tissue fungal burden. These results support the further development of VT-1161 against mucormycosis.

Antifungal Resistance, Metabolic Routes as Drug Targets, and New Antifungal Agents: An Overview about Endemic Dimorphic Fungi

Diseases caused by fungi can occur in healthy people, but immunocompromised patients are the major risk group for invasive fungal infections. Cases of fungal resistance and the difficulty of treatment make fungal infections a public health problem. This review explores mechanisms used by fungi to promote fungal resistance, such as the mutation or overexpression of drug targets, efflux and degradation systems, and pleiotropic drug responses. Alternative novel drug targets have been investigated; these include metabolic routes used by fungi during infection, such as trehalose and amino acid metabolism and mitochondrial proteins. An overview of new antifungal agents, including nanostructured antifungals, as well as of repositioning approaches is discussed. Studies focusing on the development of vaccines against antifungal diseases have increased in recent years, as these strategies can be applied in combination with antifungal therapy to prevent posttreatment sequelae. Studies focused on the development of a pan-fungal vaccine and antifungal drugs can improve the treatment of immunocompromised patients and reduce treatment costs.

Efficacy of the Investigational Antifungal VT-1161 in Treating Naturally Occurring Coccidioidomycosis in Dogs

Coccidioidomycosis can be a chronic, systemic fungal infection requiring long-term to lifetime medication. Thus, there is a need for improved antifungal agents with greater efficacy and reduced toxicity. VT-1161 has a low affinity for mammalian cytochromes and potently inhibits fungal CYP51 with proven efficacy in murine models of central nervous system (CNS) and respiratory coccidioidomycosis. Dogs experience coccidioidomycosis similar to humans and are a useful preclinical model for naturally occurring disease. Twenty-four client-owned dogs diagnosed with respiratory coccidioidomycosis based on radiography, serology, clinical signs, and clinicopathologic abnormalities were treated with a loading dose of VT-1161 for 14 days, followed by 46 days of a lower maintenance dose. Twelve dogs received a high dose (29 mg/kg loading, 6 mg/kg maintenance) and 12 received a low dose (10 mg/kg loading, 1.6 mg/kg maintenance). Response to treatment was assessed by calculating the reduction in disease scores at exit compared to disease scores at enrollment. Overall, 20 of 24 (83%) dogs had ≥50% reduction in enrollment disease scores at exit (P < 0.001), with no difference between the high- and low-dose groups (P = 0.66). Time-weighted average plasma concentrations for the high- and low-dose groups were 39 ± 5 μg/ml and 19 ± 2 μg/ml, respectively. In this open-label study, VT-1161 was efficacious for the treatment of respiratory coccidioidomycosis in naturally infected dogs. Combined with previously reported murine data, this finding supports the further development of VT-1161 for the treatment of coccidioidomycosis in humans.

Large-Scale Evaluation of In Vitro Amphotericin B, Triazole, and Echinocandin Activity against Coccidioides Species from U.S. Institutions

Large-scale testing of Coccidioides isolates has not been performed, and the frequency of clinical isolates with elevated amphotericin B or triazole MICs has not been evaluated. Coccidioides isolates (n = 581) underwent antifungal susceptibility testing. Elevated MIC values were observed for fluconazole (≥16 μg/ml, 37.3% of isolates; ≥32 μg/ml, 7.9% of isolates), itraconazole (≥2 μg/ml, 1.0% of isolates), posaconazole (≥1 μg/ml, 1.0% of isolates), and voriconazole (≥2 μg/ml, 1.2% of isolates). However, mold-active triazoles exhibited low MICs for the majority of isolates tested. Additional correlation with patient outcomes to determine the relevance of elevated MICs in Coccidioides isolates is needed.

Antifungal therapeutics for dimorphic fungal pathogens

Dimorphic fungi cause several endemic mycoses which range from subclinical respiratory infections to life-threatening systemic disease. Pathogenic-phase cells of Histoplasma, Blastomyces, Paracoccidioides and Coccidioides escape elimination by the innate immune response with control ultimately requiring activation of cell-mediated immunity. Clinical management of disease relies primarily on antifungal compounds; however, dimorphic fungal pathogens create a number of challenges for antifungal drug therapy. In addition to the drug toxicity issues known for current antifungals, barriers to efficient drug treatment of dimorphic fungal infections include natural resistance to the echinocandins, residence of fungal cells within immune cells, the requirement for systemic delivery of drugs, prolonged treatment times, potential for latent infections, and lack of optimized standardized methodology for in vitro testing of drug susceptibilities. This review will highlight recent advances, current therapeutic options, and new compounds on the horizon for treating infections by dimorphic fungal pathogens.

Triazole resistance mediated by mutations of a conserved active site tyrosine in fungal lanosterol 14α-demethylase

Emergence of fungal strains showing resistance to triazole drugs can make treatment of fungal disease problematic. Triazole resistance can arise due to single mutations in the drug target lanosterol 14α-demethylase (Erg11p/CYP51). We have determined how commonly occurring single site mutations in pathogenic fungi affect triazole binding using Saccharomyces cerevisiae Erg11p (ScErg11p) as a target surrogate. The mutations Y140F/H were introduced into full-length hexahistidine-tagged ScErg11p. Phenotypes and high-resolution X-ray crystal structures were determined for the mutant enzymes complexed with short-tailed (fluconazole and voriconazole) or long-tailed (itraconazole and posaconazole) triazoles and wild type enzyme complexed with voriconazole. The mutations disrupted a water-mediated hydrogen bond network involved in binding of short-tailed triazoles, which contain a tertiary hydroxyl not present in long-tailed triazoles. This appears to be the mechanism by which resistance to these short chain azoles occurs. Understanding how these mutations affect drug affinity will aid the design of azoles that overcome resistance.

Clinical Candidate VT-1161's Antiparasitic Effect In Vitro, Activity in a Murine Model of Chagas Disease, and Structural Characterization in Complex with the Target Enzyme CYP51 from Trypanosoma cruzi

A novel antifungal drug candidate, the 1-tetrazole-based agent VT-1161 [(R)-2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-1,1-difluoro-3-(1H-tetrazol-1-yl)-1-{5-[4-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)phenyl]pyridin-2-yl}propan-2-ol], which is currently in two phase 2b antifungal clinical trials, was found to be a tight-binding ligand (apparent dissociation constant [Kd], 24 nM) and a potent inhibitor of cytochrome P450 sterol 14α-demethylase (CYP51) from the protozoan pathogen Trypanosoma cruzi. Moreover, VT-1161 revealed a high level of antiparasitic activity against amastigotes of the Tulahuen strain of T. cruzi in cellular experiments (50% effective concentration, 2.5 nM) and was active in vivo, causing >99.8% suppression of peak parasitemia in a mouse model of infection with the naturally drug-resistant Y strain of the parasite. The data strongly support the potential utility of VT-1161 in the treatment of Chagas disease. The structural characterization of T. cruzi CYP51 in complex with VT-1161 provides insights into the molecular basis for the compound's inhibitory potency and paves the way for the further rational development of this novel, tetrazole-based inhibitory chemotype both for antiprotozoan chemotherapy and for antifungal chemotherapy.