The Antifungal Pipeline: New and Future Antifungals

Abstract

The treatment of fungal infections remains a major clinical challenge. Efforts in antifungal research have led to the approval of several innovative therapies and the advancement of multiple promising agents currently in early and late stage development. This review provides an up-to-date overview of novel antifungal agents approved or in development, highlighting their novel characteristics and potential clinical impact. Three newly approved antifungals have reached clinical use, introducing new structural classes and dosing advantages including ibrexafungerp and oteseconazole for treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis and rezafungin for invasive candidiasis. In addition, five emerging candidates including fosmanogepix, olorofim, opelconazole, turletricin and encochleated amphotericin B represent important advances in oral bioavailability, safety and resistance profiles. Together, these developments mark a pivotal shift in antifungal therapeutics, offering clinicians new opportunities to optimize care and improve outcomes for patients with serious and difficult to treat fungal infections.