Emerging antifungal compounds and strategies targeting Candida species: a mini-review of advances from 2010 to 2025.

Abstract

Introduction: The global rise of invasive and drug-resistant Candida infections has intensified the need for antifungal agents with novel mechanisms of action. Conventional classes of systemic drugs face limitations due to toxicity, pharmacokinetic constraints, and increasing fungi resistance, particularly among C. glabrata and C. auris. The aim of this review is to summarize the main drug candidates since 2010 in preclinical and clinical pipelines that target Candida spp. infections.

Areas covered: This mini-review summarizes peer-reviewed studies from 2010 to 2025 investigating antifungal compounds and strategies targeting Candida spp. Data were compiled from several databases e.g. PubMed, PubChem, focusing on agents in laboratory, preclinical, and clinical phases that are not yet in routine use.

Commentary: Promising antifungal agents are presented, including ibrexafungerp, fosmanogepix, and metallacarboranes. Some compounds demonstrate potent activity against multidrug-resistant Candida isolates and biofilms, with promising pharmacokinetic profiles and reduced toxicity in early studies. Post-2010 research has produced a robust antifungal pipeline with first-in-class and reformulated agents targeting Candida spp. Despite encouraging laboratory and early clinical findings, the efficacy and safety of these compounds must be confirmed in large randomized clinical trials before they can be incorporated into routine clinical practice.