New Perspectives on Antimicrobial Agents: Rezafungin.

Abstract

Candidemia and invasive candidiasis persist as significant causes of morbidity and mortality. As fluconazole resistance rates rise, alternative means of treatment are necessary, either via mold-active azoles or extended durations of echinocandins. These come with the potential for undesirable side effects for triazoles or choosing between prolonged hospitalization or outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy in the case of echinocandins. Rezafungin offers an opportunity to manage extended treatment durations with shorter hospital stays and no extended parenteral access. Herein, we review the most recent published data pertaining to rezafungin including anti-fungal activity, pharmacokinetics, and clinical data relating to the treatment of invasive candidiasis. Given its prolonged half-life allowing for once-weekly dosing, rezafungin has the potential as an anti-fungal prophylactic agent in high-risk patients, and studies to examine this potential role are ongoing.