Description
Rezafungin is a novel, once-weekly antifungal being developed for the treatment and prevention of serious fungal infections.Rezafungin is a member of the echinocandin class of drugs. Echinocandins are considered the safest antifungal drugs available and are suggested by the Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA) as first-line treatment for fungal infections.
Uses
Rezafungin (CD-101) is a second generation echinocandin with a similar spectrum and mechanism of action. Along with fosmanogepix, ibrexafungerp, olorofim, and opelconazole, rezafungin heralds a new era in the treatment of fungal infections.
Side effects
Adverse effects associated with the use of Rezzayo may include, but are not limited to, the following: hypokalemia, pyrexia, diarrhea, anemia, vomiting, nausea, hypomagnesemia, abdominal pain, constipation, and hypophosphatemia.
Mechanism of action
Rezafungin is a semi-synthetic echinocandin. Rezafungin inhibits the 1,3-B-D-glucan synthase enzyme complex, which is present in fungal cell walls but not in mammalian cells. This results in the inhibition of the formation of 1,3-B-D-glucan, an essential component of the fungal cell wall of many fungi, including Candida species (spp.). Inhibition of 1,3-B-D-glucan synthesis results in concentration-dependent in vitro fungicidal activity against Candida spp., however, the clinical significance of this activity is unknown.
in vivo
Rezafungin (Biafungin) shows potent in vivo efficacy as prophylaxis against Pneumocystis in a mouse infection model[1].
| Animal Model: | C3H/HeN mice[1] |
| Dosage: | 1 mg/kg |
| Administration: | Intraperitoneal injection; once daily for 6 days |
| Result: | Significantly reduced nuclei and asci burdens.
|
References
[1] Syed, Yahiya Y. “Rezafungin: First Approval.” Drugs 83 9 (2023): 833–840.
[2] Desnos-Ollivier, Marie and Fanny Lanternier. “New antifungals development: rezafungin in candidiasis treatment.” Lancet Infectious Diseases 22 3 (2023).
