liposomal amphotericin B (Gilead Sciences)

This is a nebulized formulation of liposomal amphotericin B (likely using the AmBisome brand) being investigated as an adjuvant therapy for invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA). Developed by the Fundacion para la Investigacion Biomedica del Hospital Universitario Ramon y Cajal (FIBioHRC) in Spain, the treatment is administered via a vibrating membrane electronic nebulizer at a dose of 25 mg three times per week for six weeks. Amphotericin B is a polyene antifungal that exerts its effect by binding to ergosterol in the fungal cell membrane, forming ion-permeable pores that cause the leakage of intracellular contents and subsequent cell death. The liposomal delivery system is designed to reduce systemic toxicity, while the nebulized route of administration targets the infection directly at the primary site in the lungs. The Phase I/IIa NAIFI clinical trial evaluated the safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics of this approach in patients receiving standard systemic antifungal therapy.

Brand names

AmBisome

Other names

nebulized liposomal amphotericin B