Steady-state pharmacokinetics of micafungin and voriconazole after separate and concomitant dosing in healthy adults

Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of the Echinocandin Antifungal Agents: Is There a Role in Clinical Practice? A Position Statement of the Anti-Infective Drugs Committee of the International Association of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring and Clinical Toxicology

PURPOSE

Reduced exposure to echinocandins has been reported in specific patient populations, such as critically ill patients; however, fixed dosing strategies are still used. The present review examines the accumulated evidence supporting echinocandin therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) and summarizes available assays and sampling strategies.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted using PubMed in December 2020, with search terms such as echinocandins, anidulafungin, caspofungin, micafungin, or rezafungin with pharmacology, pharmacokinetics (PKs), pharmacodynamics (PDs), drug-drug interactions, TDM, resistance, drug susceptibility testing, toxicity, adverse drug reactions, bioanalysis, chromatography, and mass spectrometry. Data on PD/PD (PK/PD) outcome markers, drug resistance, PK variability, drug-drug interactions, assays, and TDM sampling strategies were summarized.

RESULTS

Echinocandins demonstrate drug exposure-efficacy relationships, and maximum concentration/minimal inhibitory concentration ratio (Cmax/MIC) and area under the concentration-time curve/MIC ratio (AUC/MIC) are proposed PK/PD markers for clinical response. The relationship between drug exposure and toxicity remains poorly clarified. TDM could be valuable in patients at risk of low drug exposure, such as those with critical illness and/or obesity. TDM of echinocandins may also be useful in patients with moderate liver impairment, drug-drug interactions, hypoalbuminemia, and those undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, as these conditions are associated with altered exposure to caspofungin and/or micafungin. Assays are available to measure anidulafungin, micafungin, and caspofungin concentrations. A limited-sampling strategy for anidulafungin has been reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Echinocandin TDM should be considered in patients at known risk of suboptimal drug exposure. However, for implementing TDM, clinical validation of PK/PD targets is needed.

Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamics variability of echinocandins in critically ill patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE

Anidulafungin, caspofungin and micafungin are three widely used echinocandin drugs licensed for the treatment of invasive fungal infections, and their clinical use is widespread. To evaluate pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamics variability of echinocandins in critically ill patients by comparing the differences in pharmacokinetic parameters between critically ill patients and healthy volunteers or general patients.

METHODS

MEDLINE, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library and Pubmed were searched from inception until 6 September 2018. Studies investigating the pharmacokinetic parameters of echinocandins in critically ill patients, healthy volunteers or general patients were included. Our primary outcomes included AUC0-24 h , Cmax and Cmin (24 hours). Two reviewers independently reviewed all titles, abstracts and text, and extracted data. We applied R software (R 2017) to conduct meta-analysis.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Of 3235 articles screened, 17 studies were included in the data synthesis. Descriptive data from single-arm studies show that critically ill patients who received caspofungin had more stable AUC0-24 h than those who received anidulafungin and micafungin. The Cmax of critically ill patients who received caspofungin and micafungin was similar to healthy volunteers. However, the Cmax in critically ill patients who received anidulafungin was lower than in healthy volunteers. The Cmin and T1/2 of critically ill patients who received caspofungin were larger than in healthy volunteers. The Vd and CL of critically ill patients receiving anidulafungin and micafungin were larger than in healthy volunteers.

WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION

This systematic review provides an analysis of the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamics variability of echinocandins in critically ill patients. Based on the limited data available, caspofungin has less pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamics variability than anidulafungin and micafungin.

Assessment of micafungin loading dosage regimens against Candida spp. in ICU patients by Monte Carlo simulations

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy of loading dose on micafungin by simulating different dosage regimens.

METHODS

A published study of micafungin in ICU patients was employed to simulate nine different dosage regimens which were sorted out three groups in terms of three maintenance doses. Using pharmacokinetic parameters and pharmacodynamic data, 5000-subject Monte Carlo simulations were conducted to simulate concentration-time profiles of micafungin, calculate probabilities of target attainment (PTAs), and cumulative fractions of response (CFRs) in terms of AUC/MIC targets. PTAs were calculated using AUC/MIC cut-offs: 285 (Candida parapsilosis), 3000 (all Candida spp.), and 5000 (non-parapsilosis Candida spp.). PTA or CFR > 90% was considered optimal for a dosage regimen.

RESULTS

The concentration-time profiles of micafungin-simulated dosage regimens were obtained. PTA values were over 90% while applying the loading dose in each group of regimens: for Candida albicans and Candida glabrata (AUC/MIC = 5000), all regimens with loading dose provided PTAs of ≥ 90% for MIC ≤ 0.008 mg/L. The PTAs (AUC/MIC = 3000) were over 90% for MIC ≤ 0.008 mg/L in any regimen. However, for MIC inferior to 0.016 mg/L, only loading dosage regimens provided PTAs exceeding 90%. For C. parapsilosis (AUC/MIC = 285), the maximum MIC of achieving a PTA ≥ 90% was 0.25 mg/L both in the regimens of B (150 mg maintenance dose) and C (200 mg maintenance dose) with loading dose. In addition, CFR of any regimen with loading dose was ≥ 90% against C. albicans and C. glabrata. None of the dosage regimens achieved an expected CFR against C. parapsilosis.

CONCLUSIONS

The dosage regimen of micafungin which had a loading dose of 1.5 times was more suitable for ICU patients infected by Candida spp.

Micafungin as antifungal prophylaxis in non-transplanted haemotological patients

OBJECTIVE

Fungal infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the haematological patients. These infections are mainly due to Candida spp. and Aspergillus spp. Mortality by these infections is high, but rates have descended in the latest series due to better antifungal agents. Echinocan-dins are, in vitro, very active against Candida and Aspergillus spp. The objective of the study is to analyse the efficacy and safety of micafungin in the antifungal prophylaxis of haema-tological patients on chemotherapy.

METHODS

A multicentre, observational retrospective study was performed in 7 Haematology Depart-ments in Spain. Patients admitted to these departments with chemotherapy or immunosuppressive treatment, and who had received antifungal prophylaxis with micafungin between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2014 were included.

RESULTS

There were 5 cases of probable or proven fun-gal infection (4.8%) according to the 2008 EORTC criteria: 2 proven, 3 probable. The types of fungal infection were 3 as-pergillosis and 2 candidiasis. There were no drop-outs from the prophylaxis with micafungin due to toxicity.

CONCLUSIONS

Micafungin is an antifungal agent which, used in prophylaxis, has demonstrated good efficacy and an excellent toxicity profile, making it an apparently interesting option in patients requiring antifungal prophylaxis during their hospitalisation episode.

Evaluation of Candida peritonitis with underlying peritoneal fibrosis and efficacy of micafungin in murine models of intra-abdominal candidiasis

Candida peritonitis is a crucial disease, however the optimal antifungal therapy regimen has not been clearly defined. Peritoneal fibrosis (PF) can be caused by abdominal surgery, intra-abdominal infection, and malignant diseases, and is also widely recognized as a crucial complication of long-term peritoneal dialysis. However, the influence of PF on Candida peritonitis prognosis remains unknown. Here, we evaluated the severity of Candida peritonitis within the context of PF and the efficacy of micafungin using mice. A PF mouse model was generated by intraperitoneally administering chlorhexidine gluconate. Candida peritonitis, induced by intraperitoneal inoculation of Candida albicans, was treated with a 7-day consecutive subcutaneous administration of micafungin. Candida infection caused a higher mortality rate in the PF mice compared with the control mice on day 7. Proliferative Candida invasion into the peritoneum and intra-abdominal organs was confirmed pathologically only in the PF mice. However, all mice in both groups treated with micafungin survived until day 20. Micafungin treatment tends to suppress inflammatory cytokines in the plasma 12 h after infection in both groups. Our results suggest that PF enhances early mortality in Candida peritonitis. Prompt initiation and sufficient doses of micafungin had good efficacy for Candida peritonitis, irrespective of the underlying PF.

Clinical Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Micafungin

Micafungin is a selective inhibitor of the synthesis of fungal 1,3-β-d-glucan, an essential component of the fungal cell wall. It is available as a powder for infusion only and is registered for the treatment of invasive and esophageal candidiasis in addition to prophylaxis of Candida infections in both adults and children. Average exposure after a single intravenous 100 mg dose in healthy adults is 133 mg h/L. Both exposure and maximum plasma concentration show linear dose proportional pharmacokinetics (PK) over a 0.15–8 mg/kg dose range. In healthy adults, the clearance (CL) is 10.4 mL/h/kg and volume of distribution is 0.2 L/kg; both are independent of the dose. Micafungin is metabolized by arylsulfatase, catechol-O-methyltransferase, and several cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoenzymes (3A4, 1A2, 2B6 and 2C), but no dose adjustments are necessary in patients with (severe) hepatic dysfunction. Exposure to micafungin is lower in hematology patients, and is even further lowered in critically ill patients (including burn patients) compared with healthy volunteers, which might have consequences for treatment efficacy. In children, an increased CL has been reported: 40–80 mL/h/kg in premature neonates and 20 mL/h/kg in children >4 months of age. Therefore, relatively higher doses of 4–10 mg/kg in premature neonates and 2–4 mg/kg in children with invasive candidiasis are used. However, these higher CLs may also be explained by the eightfold higher free fraction of unbound micafungin in premature neonates, meaning that an augmented dose might not be required.

Clinical and Microbiological Characteristics of Candida guilliermondii and Candida fermentati

A total of 46 clinical isolates of Candida guilliermondii and Candida famata were reidentified genetically, resulting in 27 C. guilliermondii and 12 Candida fermentati strains. The majority of C. guilliermondii strains, but not C. fermentati strains, were isolated from blood cultures. C. fermentati was more sensitive to antifungals, hydrogen peroxide, and killing by murine macrophages than was C. guilliermondii The C. guilliermondii isolates were echinocandin susceptible in vitro but resistant to micafungin in a murine model of invasive candidiasis.

[Echinocandins: Applied pharmacology]

The echinocandins share pharmacodynamic properties, although there are some interesting differences in their pharmacokinetic behaviour in the clinical practice. They are not absorbed by the oral route. They have a somewhat special distribution in the organism, as some of them can reach high intracellular concentrations while, with some others, the concentration is reduced. They are highly bound to plasma proteins, thus it is recommended to administer a loading dose for anidulafungin and caspofungin, although this procedure is not yet clear with micafungin. Echinocandins are excreted via a non-microsomal metabolism, so the urinary concentration is very low. Some carrier proteins that take part in the biliary clearance process are probably involved in the interactions described with caspofungin and micafungin. These two drugs must be used with caution in patients with severely impaired hepatic function, while all of them can be used without special precautions when there is renal impairment or the patient requires renal replacement therapy.

Prediction of micafungin area under the curve data by using peak concentration: applicability and utility in antifungal therapy

Aim: To describe a predictive model to obtain the area under the plasma concentration versus time curve (AUC) for micafungin to aid in dosing strategies in pediatric patients. Methods: Using published pharmacokinetic data a linear regression model to describe the Cmax versus AUCtau was developed. The mean absolute error prediction, root mean square error prediction along with correlation coefficient (r) and fold prediction criteria were used to evaluate the developed linear regression model for micafungin. Results: The predicted AUC for micafungin were contained within 0.5–1.5 fold difference. The mean absolute error and root mean square error for the developed model was 15 and 27%, respectively. Conclusion: The model may be used in a prospective manner for dosing decisions of micafungin in pediatric patients.

Altered Micafungin Pharmacokinetics in Intensive Care Unit Patients

Micafungin is considered an important agent for the treatment of invasive fungal infections in the intensive care unit (ICU). Little is known on the pharmacokinetics of micafungin. We investigated micafungin pharmacokinetics (PK) in ICU patients and set out to explore the parameters that influence micafungin plasma concentrations. ICU patients receiving 100 mg of intravenous micafungin once daily for suspected or proven fungal infection or as prophylaxis were eligible. Daily trough concentrations and PK curves (days 3 and 7) were collected. Pharmacokinetic analysis was performed using a standard two-stage approach. Twenty patients from the ICUs of four hospitals were evaluated. On day 3 (n = 20), the median (interquartile range [IQR]) area under the concentration-time curve from 0 to 24 h (AUC0-24) was 78.6 (65.3 to 94.1) mg · h/liter, the maximum concentration of drug in serum (Cmax) was 7.2 (5.4 to 9.2) mg/liter, the concentration 24 h after dosing (C24) was 1.55 (1.4 to 3.1) mg/liter, the volume of distribution (V) was 25.6 (21.3 to 29.1) liters, the clearance (CL) was 1.3 (1.1 to 1.5) liters/h, and the elimination half-life (t1/2) was 13.7 (12.2 to 15.5) h. The pharmacokinetic parameters on day 7 (n = 12) were not significantly different from those on day 3. Daily trough concentrations (day 3 to the end of therapy) showed moderate interindividual (57.9%) and limited intraindividual variability (12.9%). No covariates of the influence on micafungin exposure were identified. Micafungin was considered safe and well tolerated. We performed the first PK study with very intensive sampling on multiple occasions in ICU patients, which aided in resolving micafungin PK. Strikingly, micafungin exposure in our cohort of ICU patients was lower than that in healthy volunteers but not significantly different from that of other reference populations. The clinical consequence of these findings must be investigated in a pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) study incorporating outcome in a larger cohort. (This study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under registration no. NCT01783379.).

Impact of special patient populations on the pharmacokinetics of echinocandins

Echinocandins belong to the class of antifungal agents. Currently, three echinocandin drugs are licensed for intravenous treatment of invasive fungal infections: anidulafungin, caspofungin and micafungin. While their antifungal activity overlaps, there are substantial differences in pharmacokinetics (PK). Numerous factors may account for variability in PK of echinocandins including age (pediatrics vs adults), body surface area and body composition (normal weight vs obesity), disease status (e.g., critically ill and burn patients) and organ dysfunction (kidney and liver impairment). Subsequent effects of altered exposure might impact efficacy and safety. Knowledge of PK behavior is crucial in optimal clinical utilization of echinocandin in a specific patient or patient population. This review provides up-to-date information on PK data of anidulafungin, caspofungin and micafungin in special patient populations. Patient populations addressed are neonates, children and adolescents, obese patients, patients with hepatic or renal impairment, critically ill patients (including burn patients) and patients with hematological diseases.

Pharmacokinetics of micafungin in subjects with severe hepatic dysfunction

Micafungin is an echinocandin with potent activity against a broad range of fungal species, including Candida species. The pharmacokinetic and safety profiles of micafungin have been evaluated in individuals with mild-to-moderate hepatic dysfunction, but not in individuals with severe hepatic dysfunction. Therefore, the present study assessed the pharmacokinetics and safety of a single 100 mg dose of micafungin in healthy subjects (n = 8) and subjects with severe hepatic dysfunction (n = 8). Mean maximum plasma concentration of micafungin and mean area under the plasma micafungin concentration-time curve extrapolated to infinity were lower in subjects with severe hepatic dysfunction (7.3 ± 2.4 µg/mL and 100.1 ± 34.5 h·μg/mL, respectively) than in subjects with normal hepatic function (10.3 ± 2.5 µg/mL and 142.4 ± 28.9 h·μg/mL, respectively). Mean clearance was higher in subjects with severe hepatic dysfunction (1,098 ± 347 mL/h) than in subjects with normal hepatic function (728 ± 149 mL/h). Concentrations of albumin in subjects with severe hepatic dysfunction were lower. Assessments of micafungin plasma protein binding suggested that the higher clearance in subjects with severe hepatic dysfunction may be due to higher unbound concentrations. However, the magnitude of the differences was not considered clinically meaningful and is comparable with exposures reported elsewhere for a 100-mg dose in patients treated for invasive candidiasis. Thus, dose adjustment in subjects with severe hepatic dysfunction is not warranted. Micafungin was well tolerated in all subjects throughout the study.

Intrapulmonary pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of micafungin in adult lung transplant patients

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis is a life-threatening infection in lung transplant recipients; however, no studies of the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics (PKPD) of echinocandins in transplanted lungs have been reported. We conducted a single-dose prospective study of the intrapulmonary and plasma PKPD of 150 mg of micafungin administered intravenously in 20 adult lung transplant recipients. Epithelial lining fluid (ELF) and alveolar cell (AC) samples were obtained via bronchoalveolar lavage performed 3, 5, 8, 18, or 24 h after initiation of infusion. Micafungin concentrations in plasma, ELF, and ACs were determined using high-pressure liquid chromatography. Noncompartmental methods, population analysis, and multiple-dose simulations were used to calculate PKPD parameters. Cmax in plasma, ELF, and ACs was 4.93, 1.38, and 17.41 microg/ml, respectively. The elimination half-life in plasma was 12.1 h. Elevated concentrations in ELF and ACs were sustained during the 24-h sampling period, indicating prolonged compartmental half-lives. The mean micafungin concentration exceeded the MIC90 of Aspergillus fumigatus (0.0156 microg/ml) in plasma (total and free), ELF, and ACs throughout the dosing interval. The area under the time-concentration curve from 0 to 24 h (AUC0-24)/MIC90 ratios in plasma, ELF, and ACs were 5,077, 923.1, and 13,340, respectively. Multiple-dose simulations demonstrated that ELF and AC concentrations of micafungin would continue to increase during 14 days of administration. We conclude that a single 150-mg intravenous dose of micafungin resulted in plasma, ELF, and AC concentrations that exceeded the MIC90 of A. fumigatus for 24 h and that these concentrations would continue to increase during 14 days of administration, supporting its potential activity for prevention and early treatment of pulmonary aspergillosis.

Micafungin: a review of its use in the prophylaxis and treatment of invasive Candida infections in pediatric patients

Intravenous micafungin (Mycamine; Funguard) is an echinocandin indicated in Japan and the EU for the treatment of pediatric patients (including neonates) with invasive candidiasis and as prophylaxis against Candida infection in pediatric patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). In the EU, micafungin is also indicated in pediatric patients who are expected to have neutropenia for >/=10 days. In Japan, children may also receive micafungin for the treatment of, or as prophylaxis against, invasive Aspergillus infection. Micafungin is not currently approved for use in pediatric patients in the US. Micafungin has very good antifungal activity against a wide range of Candida spp. in vitro. It has a favorable pharmacokinetic profile allowing for once-daily administration, has few drug-drug interactions, and reports of resistance are rare. The results of pediatric substudies indicate that intravenous micafungin is effective in a majority of patients for the treatment of candidemia and other types of invasive candidiasis, and provides effective prophylaxis against invasive fungal infections in pediatric patients undergoing HSCT. The tolerability profile of micafungin in pediatric patients was generally acceptable. In the EU, micafungin is indicated for use when other antifungal medications are not appropriate. Therefore, micafungin provides an alternative to other antifungal agents used in the management of candidemia and invasive candidiasis in pediatric patients, or as prophylaxis against fungal infections in pediatric patients undergoing HSCT.

Pharmacotherapy of Candida Infections with Echinocandins

The classic recommended antifungal agents for the treatment of invasive Candida infections were amphotericin B, a lipid formulation of amphotericin B and fluconazole in both neutropenic or nonneutropenic patients as either primary or alternative therapies. Voriconazole has been recommended when additional coverage for filamentous fungi is needed (e.g. neutropenic patients). More recently and based on well designed comparative clinical trials, the three echinocandins, caspofungin, anidulafungin and micafungin have been added as primary or alternative therapies especially for critically ill or neutropenic patients. In general, the echinocandins are most useful when patients have previously been exposed to an azole or are unstable.

[Micafungin for therapy of invasive candidiasis in solid organ transplant recipients]

BACKGROUND

Micafungin is an echinocandin approved for the prevention of Candida spp. infection in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and therapy of oesophageal candidiasis, disseminated candidiasis and candidemia in adults, children and neonates.

AIMS

To evaluate the role of micafungin for candidiasis therapy in solid organ transplant recipients.

METHODS

A medical literature review according to micafungin role for candidiasis therapy in transplant patients is performed.

RESULTS

Micafungin has shown fungicide activity against Candida species, including strains resistant or poorly susceptible to fluconazole. No dose adjustment is required when micafungin is administered in combination with other drugs used in transplant patients, excluding sirolimus, nifedipine and itraconazol. With these drugs, a minimal dose reduction is recommended. The results observed in transplant patients included in clinical trials are favourable and similar to results obtained in other kind of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The clinical results, its safety profile and the low grade of medical interactions permit micafungin to be considered for therapy in specific groups of transplant patients.

Micafungin in the treatment of invasive candidiasis and invasive aspergillosis

Micafungin is an echinocandin antifungal agent available for clinical use in Japan, Europe, and the United States. Through inhibition of β-1,3-glucan production, an essential component of the fungal cell wall, micafungin exhibits potent antifungal activity against key pathogenic fungi, including Candida and Aspergillus species, while contributing minimal toxicity to mammalian cells. This activity is maintained against polyene and azole-resistant isolates. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies have demonstrated linear kinetics both in adults and children with concentration-dependent activity observed both in vitro and in vivo. Dosage escalation studies have also demonstrated that doses much higher than those currently recommended may be administered without serious adverse effects. Clinically, micafungin has been shown to be efficacious for the treatment of invasive candidiasis and invasive aspergillosis. Furthermore, the clinical effectiveness of micafungin against these infections occurs without the drug interactions that occur with the azoles and the nephrotoxicity observed with amphotericin B formulations. This review will focus on the pharmacology, clinical microbiology, mechanisms of resistance, safety, and clinical efficacy of micafungin in the treatment of invasive candidiasis and invasive aspergillosis.

Bronchopulmonary disposition of micafungin in healthy adult volunteers

By way of bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage, intrapulmonary steady-state concentrations of micafungin administered at 150 mg daily to 15 healthy volunteers were determined at 4, 12, and 24 h after the third dose. The micafungin disposition was predominantly intracellular, with approximately 106% penetration into alveolar macrophages and 5% penetration into epithelial lining fluid.

In vivo pharmacodynamic target investigation for micafungin against Candida albicans and C. glabrata in a neutropenic murine candidiasis model

Previous studies using in vivo candidiasis models have demonstrated that the concentration-associated pharmacodynamic indices, the maximum concentration of a drug in serum/MIC and 24-h area under the curve (AUC)/MIC, are associated with echinocandin treatment efficacy. The current investigations used a neutropenic murine model of disseminated Candida albicans and C. glabrata infection to identify the 24-h AUC/MIC index target associated with a stasis and killing endpoint for the echinocandin, micafungin. The kinetics after intraperitoneal micafungin dosing were determined in neutropenic infected mice. Peak levels and AUC values were linear over the 16-fold dose range studied. The serum drug elimination half-life ranged from 7.5 to 16 h. Treatment studies were conducted with 4 C. albicans and 10 C. glabrata isolates with micafungin MICs varying from 0.008 to 0.25 microg/ml to determine whether similar 24-h AUC/MIC ratios were associated with efficacy. The free drug AUC/MICs associated with stasis and killing (1-log) endpoints were near 10 and 20, respectively. The micafungin exposures associated with efficacy were similar for the two Candida species. Furthermore, the free drug micafungin exposures required to produce stasis and killing endpoints were similar to those recently reported for another echinocandin, anidulafungin, against the identical Candida isolates in this model.

Ocular distribution of intravenously administered micafungin in rabbits

The ocular distribution of micafungin (MCFG), which has antifungal activity against Candida and Aspergillus species, was followed after the systemic administration of MCFG in rabbits. After MCFG (10 mg/kg) plus fluconazole (FLCZ; 10 mg/kg) was administered intravenously, the rabbits were killed, and MCFG and FLCZ concentrations in retina-choroid, vitreous humor, and plasma were determined by high performance liquid chromatography or liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. The mean concentrations of MCFG in the retina-choroid at 0.25, 0.75, 4, 8, and 24 h after administration were 20.18, 15.97, 13.19, 6.27, and 0.75 microg/g, respectively, and were comparable with the MCFG plasma concentrations. The MCFG concentrations in retina-choroid and plasma exceeded the minimal antifungal inhibitory concentrations for endophthalmitis, although MCFG was not detected in the vitreous humor. These results suggest that the intravenous administration of MCFG is an effective treatment for endogenous fungal endophthalmitis when the causative fungus is localized in the retina and choroid.

The echinocandin micafungin: a review of the pharmacology, spectrum of activity, clinical efficacy and safety

Micafungin is a relatively broad-spectrum antifungal agent available for clinical use in the US and Japan. By inhibiting the production of beta-1,3-glucan, an essential fungal cell wall component, micafungin has reduced toxicity to mammalian cells while maintaining potent antifungal activity against many pathogenic fungi including polyene- and azole-resistant isolates. Indeed, micafungin has been shown to be efficacious in the treatment of infections caused by Candida and Aspergillus species in clinical trials without the associated toxicities of amphotericin B formulations and drug interactions that occur with the azoles. In this review, the pharmacology, spectrum of activity, clinical efficacy and safety profile of micafungin are discussed.