Approved & therapeutic
Caspofungin
Cancidas
Caspofungin is a semisynthetic echinocandin — a cyclic lipopeptide — and was the first of its class, approved for invasive candidiasis, invasive aspergillosis refractory to other therapy, and empirical therapy in febrile neutropenia.
Also known as: caspofungin acetate, MK-0991
- Status
- Caspofungin is approved by the U.S. FDA and has official prescribing information.
- Evidence
- Approved labeling. Official prescribing information exists, based on clinical trials in people.
- Half-life
- Beta-phase half-life of approximately 9 to 11 hours.
- How it's taken
- Intravenous infusion
- Mechanism
- Immune modulation
How Caspofungin works
Caspofungin non-competitively inhibits beta-(1,3)-D-glucan synthase, the enzyme that builds a structural polysaccharide essential to the fungal cell wall. Because mammalian cells have no cell wall and no glucan synthase, the target is entirely absent in the host — which is why the echinocandins have a notably clean toxicity profile compared with amphotericin and the azoles.
What research has looked at
- Fungicidal against Candida species, including strains resistant to fluconazole.
- A target absent from human cells gives a favourable safety profile relative to amphotericin B and the azoles.
- Few clinically significant drug interactions compared with the azoles, which matters in critically ill patients on many drugs.
- It is now first-line for candidaemia in most guidelines.
Evidence level: Approved labeling. Official prescribing information exists, based on clinical trials in people. These are areas studied or reported, not promised effects.
Reported side effects and risks
- It has poor penetration into urine, cerebrospinal fluid and the vitreous, so it is not appropriate for urinary tract candidiasis, fungal meningitis or endophthalmitis.
- Only fungistatic against Aspergillus, and it is reserved as salvage therapy rather than first-line for aspergillosis.
- Elevated liver enzymes; the dose should be reduced in moderate hepatic impairment.
- Histamine-mediated infusion reactions including rash, flushing and, rarely, anaphylaxis.
- Intravenous administration only — there is no oral echinocandin in general use.
Sources
- FDA approved-drug listing for caspofungin · U.S. Food & Drug Administration
- DailyMed prescribing information for caspofungin · NIH · DailyMed
- PubMed research on caspofungin echinocandin candidiasis · NIH · National Library of Medicine
- DrugBank record for caspofungin · DrugBank
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Related compounds
Caspofungin FAQ
What is Caspofungin?
Caspofungin is a semisynthetic echinocandin — a cyclic lipopeptide — and was the first of its class, approved for invasive candidiasis, invasive aspergillosis refractory to other therapy, and empirical therapy in febrile neutropenia.
How does Caspofungin work?
Caspofungin non-competitively inhibits beta-(1,3)-D-glucan synthase, the enzyme that builds a structural polysaccharide essential to the fungal cell wall. Because mammalian cells have no cell wall and no glucan synthase, the target is entirely absent in the host — which is why the echinocandins have a notably clean toxicity profile compared with amphotericin and the azoles.
Is Caspofungin FDA approved?
Yes. Caspofungin is approved by the U.S. FDA and has official prescribing information. Evidence level: approved labeling. Official prescribing information exists, based on clinical trials in people.
What is the half-life of Caspofungin?
Reported half-life: Beta-phase half-life of approximately 9 to 11 hours.
How is Caspofungin taken?
Intravenous infusion.
What side effects have been reported with Caspofungin?
Reported in the sources: It has poor penetration into urine, cerebrospinal fluid and the vitreous, so it is not appropriate for urinary tract candidiasis, fungal meningitis or endophthalmitis; Only fungistatic against Aspergillus, and it is reserved as salvage therapy rather than first-line for aspergillosis; Elevated liver enzymes; the dose should be reduced in moderate hepatic impairment; Histamine-mediated infusion reactions including rash, flushing and, rarely, anaphylaxis; Intravenous administration only — there is no oral echinocandin in general use.
Educational summary compiled from the sources listed above. Not medical advice. Peptide Vault does not sell, source or recommend any compound. Talk to a qualified clinician before starting or changing anything.