In 2018, the global antifungal drugs market size was valued at USD 11.6 billion. Generally speaking, 54.3% of sales are prescription and 45.7% is over-the counter OTC/Alternative. It is anticipated that the OTC/Alternative portion of the global antifungal market will continue to grow. Science is indicating that both the number of systemic infections and drug resistance is on the rise. There is a wide effect of fungal infections, ranging from minor seasonal allergic reactions to a potentially fatal invasive/systemic disease, the importance of having efficacious antifungal medicinal therapies is clear. Growing prevalence of fungal infections such as aspergillosis and candidiasis is one of the key factors propelling the market. Fungal infections encompass both systemic and superficial infections including infection of the skin, eye, mouth, and vagina. Current antifungal drugs suffer from limitations including toxicity, the emergence of resistance and decreased efficacy.
Technology:
The WSU team led by Prof. Greenberg has shown that the antipsychotic drug valproic acid (VPA) exhibited a strong antifungal activity without the emergence of resistance, toxicity and decreased efficacy. WSU team has developed specific antifungal composition that can be formulated for topical, intradermal, intralesional, intraocular, intravaginal, intramuscular, and/or subcutaneous administration.
Commercial Applications:
- Antifungal treatment against vulvovaginal candidiasis, athlete's foot, jock itch, ringworm, and yeast infections.
- New effective antifungal treatment modality to treat infective biotic biofilms.
Stage of Development:
- Preclinical
Competitive Advantages:
- Proven safety and efficacy of active ingredient.
- Superior to current antifungal treatment.
- Direct clinical repurposing of VPA as an antifungal therapeutic.
Patent Status:
Issued: https://patents.google.com/patent/US10092531B2/pt-PT