isavuconazole

Isavuconazole is a broad-spectrum triazole antifungal agent used primarily for the treatment of serious invasive fungal infections, including invasive aspergillosis and mucormycosis. It acts by inhibiting the cytochrome P450-dependent enzyme lanosterol 14α-demethylase (CYP51), which disrupts ergosterol biosynthesis—a critical component of fungal cell membranes—leading to altered membrane structure and function and ultimately fungal cell death[4][5][6]. Isavuconazole itself has low water solubility; therefore, it is administered as its prodrug form, isavuconazonium sulfate. The drug can be given orally or intravenously and offers advantages over other azoles due to its cyclodextrin-free IV formulation (reducing nephrotoxicity risk) and interchangeable oral/IV dosing without repeat loading[4]. Isavuconazole was developed by Basilea Pharmaceutica and Astellas Pharma. It has been approved by regulatory agencies such as the FDA and EMA for use in adults with invasive aspergillosis or mucormycosis[4][5].

Brand names

Cresemba

Other names

isavuconazoniumisavuconazonium sulfate