Caspofungin

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Caspofungin (INN) (brand name Cancidas worldwide) is a lipopeptide antifungal drug from Merck & Co., Inc. discovered by James Balkovec, Regina Black and Frances A. Bouffard. It is a member of a new class of antifungals termed the echinocandins. It works by inhibiting the enzyme (1→3)-β-D-glucan synthase and thereby disturbing the integrity of the fungal cell wall. Caspofungin was the first inhibitor of fungal (1→3)-β-D-glucan synthesis to be approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration. Caspofungin is administered intravenously.

Spectrum of fungal susceptibility and resistance

Caspofungin has been effective in treating fungal infections caused by Aspergillus and Candida species. The following represents MIC susceptibility for a few medically significant organisms.