New, broad- acting antifungals on the horizon

Changing the dynamics of local and systemic fungal diseases

The market for therapies to treat severe fungal infections (SFIs) is poised for growth over the next decade, according to Severe Fungal Infections, a new study by Decision Resources (Waltham, MA). Increases in SFI-susceptible and drug-treated populations, changes in medical practice, and the launch of novel, safer, and broader-acting antifungals will fuel rapid changes in this market.

Severe Fungal Infections analyzes the SFI market and the main drivers of sales growth in the seven major pharmaceutical markets (United States, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, and Japan). Patient groups analyzed include those with HIV/AIDS, chemotherapy patients, solid-organ transplant recipients, and those undergoing surgery.

The development and launch of new antifungals will change the landscape of the SFI market, according to the report. Three novel azoles that offer improved potency and a wide spectrum of activity are in late-stage development: voriconazole (Pfizer's Vfend, UK-109,496), posaconazole (Schering-Plough's SCH-56592), and ravuconazole (Bristol-Myers Squibb's BMS- 207147). Physicians are anxiously anticipating the launch of a promising new class of agents, the candins: caspofungin (Merck's Cancidas, MK-0991), micafungin (Fujisawa's MK-463), and anidulafungin (Versicor's V-Echinocandin, LY-303,366). Aronex is developing Nyotran, a novel liposomal formulation of nystatin. In addition, an exciting class of protein synthesis inhibitors, the sordarins, are in preclinical development by Glaxo SmithKline.

For more information, contact Frank Sama of Decision Resources at 781-487-3753.

Edited by Angelo DePalma
Managing Editor, Pharmaceutical Online and Drug Discovery Online
adepalma@vertical.net