Voriconazole-medicalneeds, evidence, potential for the future

Abstract

Voriconazole (VRCZ) is an azole-class antifungal agent with a broad spectrum. VRCZ shows high antifungal activity to Candida spp. including fluconazole less-susceptible species., Aspergillus spp. and Cryptococcus spp. VRCZ shows fungicidal activity to Aspergillus spp. In addition, voriconazole shows activity to rare pathogens like Fusarium spp. or Scedosporium spp. VRCZ is available in both IV and oral formulation. The oral formulation shows stable and almost 100% bioavailability. The protein binding ratio is approximately 58% and over 40% exists as unbound form. VRCZ shows a good tissue distribution including brain and CSF. Outside Japan, several RCTs were conducted for the treatment of deep seated mycosis. The results show a very good drug profile superior to the existing antifungal agents. VRCZ was approved by the FDA and EMEA in 2002. As of September 2004, it has been approved in over 50 countries worldwide.