Activity of rezafungin against Candida auris

Abstract

The increasing prevalence of candidemia and invasive candidiasis infections caused by Candida auris represents a global health risk. Such infections are difficult to treat as they are often multidrug-resistant and are linked to high rates of mortality. Rezafungin is a second-generation echinocandin with antifungal activity against a range of Candida species, including wild type, and azole- and some echinocandin-resistant isolates. Its stability and prolonged half-life permit less frequent dosing compared with other echinocandins, leading to high front-loaded exposures and potential earlier mycological clearance from infection sites. These properties make rezafungin a candidate for the treatment of candidemia and invasive candidiasis infections due to C. auris. Accordingly, this narrative review article describes available evidence for the activity and effectiveness of rezafungin against C. auris isolates and infections. To date, the activity of rezafungin against C. auris isolates and infections has been demonstrated in in vitro and in vivo non-clinical experiments, and in pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic target attainment estimations utilizing clinical data. With similar potency to other echinocandins, rezafungin demonstrates in vitro and in vivo activity that is comparable to or better than that seen with other echinocandins, and similar to that for rezafungin in other Candida species. Like other echinocandins, its activity is reduced in fks-mutant isolates. Although there is currently a dearth of data on the therapeutic activity of rezafungin against C. auris, it is reasonable that rezafungin may be a viable choice for treating candidemia and invasive candidiasis caused by C. auris. Further clinical investigations are necessary.