Antifungal drug to cure life threatening fungal infections developed

Invasive fungal infections are known to be really lethal.

These infections mostly occur in the context of leukemia and bone marrow transplantation and often in young patients with otherwise curable disease.

The researchers have now found a new drug which may help in the treatment of life threatening fungal infections such as aspergillosis.

The scientists have characterised the biochemical and physiologic effects (pharmacodynamics) of F901318, which is the lead compound of the new class of drugs termed the 'orotomides'.

The 'orotomides', discovered by F2G Limited, have a novel mechanism of action which is the specific biochemical interaction through which a drug substance produces its pharmacological effect.

This is the first new class of antifungal agent to be discovered in the last three decades.

Study's lead author, Professor William Hope from the University's Antimicrobial Pharmacodynamics and Therapeutics (APT) Group, said, "Antifungal resistance represents a major global clinical challenge. This study provides the necessary information to enable F901318 to be developed for clinical use."

The study was published in journal mBio.