Abafungin Explained

Abafungin (INN) is a broad-spectrum antifungal agent with a novel mechanism of action for the treatment of dermatomycoses.

Abasol is a topical cream formulation of abafungin by York Pharma.^[1]

History

Abafungin was first synthesized at Bayer AG, Leverkusen, Germany. A study of H₂-antagonists related to famotidine, resulted in the discovery of its antifungal properties.^[2]

Its development seems to have been discontinued in 2009.^[3]

Mechanism of action

Unlike imidazole- and triazole-class antifungals, abafungin directly impairs the fungal cell membrane.^[2]

In addition, abafungin inhibits the enzyme sterol 24-C-methyltransferase, modifying the composition of the fungal membrane.^[4]

Abafungin has antibiotic activity against gram-positive bacteria as well as sporicidal activity.^[5]

Notes and References

1. Web site: Regulatory Update – Abasol . York Pharma . https://web.archive.org/web/20070927102715/http://www.yorkpharma.com/media/YRK-Update_Abasol_061002-FN.pdf . September 27, 2007 .
2. Borelli C, Schaller M, Niewerth M, Nocker K, Baasner B, Berg D, Tiemann R, Tietjen K, Fugmann B, Lang-Fugmann S, Korting HC . 6 . Modes of action of the new arylguanidine abafungin beyond interference with ergosterol biosynthesis and in vitro activity against medically important fungi . Chemotherapy . 54 . 4 . 245–59 . August 2008 . 18587237 . 2818358 . 10.1159/000142334 .
3. Web site: Abafungin. AdisInsight. 5 May 2021.
4. Ruiz-Ortega M, González S, Serón D, Condom E, Bustos C, Largo R, González E, Ortiz A, Egido J . ACE inhibition reduces proteinuria, glomerular lesions and extracellular matrix production in a normotensive rat model of immune complex nephritis . Kidney International . 48 . 6 . 1778–91 . December 1995 . 8587237 . 10.1038/ki.1995.476 . free .
5. Book: Ginter-Hanselmayer, Gabriele . vanc . March 2009. Arbeitsunterlagen zur 42. wissenschaftlichen Fortbildungsveranstaltung für Apothekerinnen und Apotheker: Infektionskrankheiten. Österreichische Apothekerkammer. 103.