Fungisome

Fungisome is a liposomal formulation of the polyene antifungal amphotericin B, developed and manufactured by Lifecare Innovations in India. As a macrolide polyene antibiotic, its mechanism of action involves binding to ergosterol in the fungal cell membrane, which leads to the formation of pores, leakage of intracellular contents, and subsequent cell death. This specific formulation intercalates amphotericin B into liposomes composed of phosphatidylcholine (lecithin) and cholesterol, a design intended to significantly reduce the nephrotoxicity and infusion-related reactions typically associated with conventional amphotericin B deoxycholate. Approved by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) in 2003, Fungisome is indicated for the treatment of invasive systemic fungal infections, including Candida, Aspergillus, Mucor, and Cryptococcus species, as well as visceral leishmaniasis (Kala-azar). It is administered intravenously as a ready-to-use suspension in normal saline.

Brand names

Fungisome

Other names

Liposomal Amphotericin BNanosomal Amphotericin B