Review of the pharmacology and clinical studies of micafungin

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Authors: Alison M Bormann, Vicki A Morrison

Published Date December 2009 , Volume 2009:3 Pages 295 - 302 DOI 10.2147/DDDT.S3242

Alison M Bormann¹, Vicki A Morrison²

¹Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA; ²Division of Hematology/Oncology and Infectious Disease, Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN, USA

Abstract: Micafungin, like other members of the echinocandin class, has a unique mechanism of action that inhibits the synthesis of 1,3-β-D glucans in the fungal cell wall. It has been approved for treatment of esophageal candidiasis, invasive candidiasis including candidemia, and for prophylaxis of Candida infections in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Although efficacy and safety have also been demonstrated in pediatric populations, micafungin is approved for this indication in Europe and Japan, but not in the United States. It has demonstrated activity against Candida spp. including those that are azole-resistant as well as Aspergillus and a few other clinically important molds. It is administered intravenously as a once daily infusion and does not require dose adjustments for renal or moderate hepatic dysfunction. Its safety record, favorable tolerability profile, and few drug interactions make it an important agent for the treatment of invasive fungal infections.

Keywords: micafungin, antifungal therapy, echinocandins, fungal infections, Candida, Aspergillus