Caspofungin (MK-0991) Acetate

Caspofungin acetate is the first in a new class of antifungals that inhibits the synthesis of beta (1, 3)-d-glucan, an essential component of the cell wall of filamentous fungi. Prior studies have shown in vitro activity of caspofungin acetate using the reference methods, broth microdilution or macrodilution, for antifungal susceptibility testing of Candida species established by the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards 1997 guidelines against a variety of Candida species including Candida krusei. Although caspofungin acetate is only Food and Drug Administration-approved for the treatment of aspergillosis, there is information showing that many Candida species are susceptible. The minimal inhibitory concentration for 90% inhibition of Candida species by caspofungin acetate are as follows:C. albicans 0.5 μg/mL (range, 0.25-0.5), C. glabrata 1.0 μg/mL (range, 0.25-2.0), C. tropicalis 1.0 μg/mL (range, 0.25-1.0), C. parapsilosis 0.5 μg/mL (range, 0.25-1.0), and C. krusei 2.0 μg/mL (range, 0.5-2.0)

• Cell lines

  Vero cells

• Concentrations

  20.78 μM

• Incubation Time

  2-3 days

• Method

  Vero cells were treated with the indicated concentrations of drugs for 2- or 3-days incubation

• Animal Models

  Complement component 5-deficient DBA/2N mice

• Dosages

  1, 2, 4, or 8 mg/kg/day

• Administration

  i.p.