In VitroActivity of a Novel Antifungal Compound, MYC-053, against Clinically Significant Antifungal-Resistant Strains ofCandida glabrata,Candida auris,Cryptococcus neoformans, andPneumocystisspp

Abstract

An urgent need exists for new antifungal compounds to treat fungal infections in immunocompromised patients. The aim of the current study was to investigate the potency of a novel antifungal compound, MYC-053, against the emerging yeast and yeast-like pathogens Candida glabrata, Candida auris, Cryptococcus neoformans, and Pneumocystis species. MYC-053 was equally effective against the susceptible control strains, clinical isolates, and resistant strains, with MICs of 0.125 to 4.0 μg/ml. Notably, unlike other antifungals such as azoles, polyenes, and echinocandins, MYC-053 was effective against Pneumocystis isolates, therefore being the only synthetic antifungal that may potentially be used against Pneumocystis spp., Candida spp., and Cryptococcus spp. MYC-053 was highly effective against preformed 48-h-old C. glabrata and C. neoformans biofilms, with minimal biofilm eradication concentrations equal to 1 to 4 times the MIC. Together, these data indicated that MYC-053 may be developed into a promising antifungal agent for the treatment and prevention of invasive fungal infections caused by yeasts and yeast-like fungi.

Combined Antifungal Resistance and Biofilm Tolerance: the Global Threat of Candida auris

“…Another potential novel candidate is MYC-053, which represents a new class of antifungals. It functions through a dual mechanism of action in which it simultaneously inhibits both intracellular nucleic acid and targets chitin synthesis of the cell wall (66). Data on its efficacy against C.…”

“…Data on its efficacy against C. auris are limited to a single study; however, it has shown efficacy against azole- and echinocandin-resistant isolates (66). Another antifungal molecule with a novel mechanism of action is APX001, which blocks GPI protein synthesis via inhibition of the cell wall transfer protein GWT1.…”

Promising Drug Candidates and New Strategies for Fighting against the Emerging Superbug Candida auris

“…In 2019, Tetz et al described the in vitro activity of a novel compound name 053 ( Figure 13) against clinically significant multidrug resistant strains such as C. C. auris, C. neoformans and Pneumocystis spp. [77,78]. Under their screening con MYC-053 proved to be equally effective against both susceptible control strains, Montoya et al reported that derivatives of the anti-malarial drug mefloquine have broad-spectrum antifungal activity against pathogenic yeasts and molds [80].…”

Combined Effect of Spirulina Platensis and Punica Granatum Peel Extacts: Phytochemical Content and Antiphytophatogenic Activity

“…Due to the occurrence of fungal resistance to synthetic fungicides, the use of chemical compounds is strictly controlled and their application is subjected to tighter regulations [1,2]. Therefore, the use of biological substances with antimicrobial properties redirected researchers for the development of novel and stable approaches that are less inducible to antimicrobial resistance in order to replace chemical fungicides, bactericides and pesticides for food preservation and safety as well as plant crop protection.…”