FDA approves Micafungin Sodium Injections for Invasive Candidiasis
Mar 19, 2005, 06:36, Reviewed by: Dr.
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"Micafungin sodium can be an effective preventative therapy for immunocompromised patients who undergo bone marrow or stem cell transplants and are highly susceptible to candida fungal infections."
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By Akanksha, Pharmacology Correspondent,
Fujisawa Healthcare, Inc. announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of micafungin sodium, the antifungal product for prophylaxis of Candida infections in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and the treatment of esophageal candidiasis. The newly approved agent will be marketed in the United States under the name Mycamine(TM) (micafungin sodium for injection).
"This is an important milestone in Fujisawa's commitment to develop novel compounds that help patients with serious diseases," said Hideo Fukumoto, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Fujisawa Healthcare, Inc. "Micafungin sodium will allow us to expand our depth in the anti-fungal market and offer patients another treatment option to fight or prevent a life-threatening candida infection." Currently, Fujisawa markets the anti-fungal AmBisome(R) (a liposomal formulation of amphotericin B) in the United States.
According to a recent study, invasive candidiasis kills 10 - 40 percent of infected immunocompromised patients. "Immuno-compromised patients whose white blood cell contents are lowered are highly susceptible to candida infections," said Ira D. Lawrence, M.D., Senior Vice President, Research and Development. "Micafungin sodium can be an effective preventative therapy for immunocompromised patients who undergo bone marrow or stem cell transplants and are highly susceptible to candida fungal infections."
The approval is based on 32 clinical studies conducted in the United States, Canada, Japan, South America, Europe and Africa. The clinical development program included data from 2402 subjects.
Subjects in the micafungin sodium studies included a broad range of individuals who had a confirmed, or were at risk for, candida fungal infections, including patients with hematologic malignancies, bone marrow transplant recipients, and HIV-positive patients. In 3 large, well controlled, clinical trials, micafungin sodium has been shown to have an overall safety profile,and discontinuation rate, similar to that of fluconazole.
Micafungin sodium is a member of a new class of antifungal agents, the echinocandins, which inhibit cell-wall synthesis. The novel mechanism of action of echinocandins specifically targets the wall of fungal cells to treat the infection.
Micafungin sodium is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to any component of the product.
Patients receiving micafungin sodium have reported isolated cases of serious hypersensitivity (anaphylaxis and anaphylactoid) reactions (including shock), significant hemolysis and hemolytic anemia.
The most common side effects experienced in the clinical trials included changes in liver and renal function. Possible histamine-mediated symptoms have been reported with micafungin sodium, including rash, pruritus, facial swelling, and vasodilatation. Injection site reactions, including phlebitis and thrombophlebitis have been reported, at micafungin sodium doses of 50-150 mg/day. 
- Fujisawa Healthcare, Inc.
Astellas Pharma Inc
Fujisawa Healthcare, Inc., headquartered in Deerfield, Ill., develops, manufactures, and markets proprietary pharmaceutical products in the United States and abroad. Fujisawa Healthcare, Inc. is a subsidiary of Fujisawa Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. based in Osaka, Japan. Fujisawa Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., founded in 1894, is a leading pharmaceutical manufacturer and is actively developing its international operations in North America, Europe, and Asia. Fujisawa Healthcare, Inc. established its presence in the anti-fungal market with the launch of AmBisome(R) (liposomal amphotericin B) in 1997. Additional information on Fujisawa Healthcare, Inc. and its products can be found on the Internet at the related website.
On April 1, 2005 Fujisawa Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. and Yamanouchi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. will merge to form Astellas Pharma Inc. More information regarding Astellas Pharma Inc. can be found at the Company's Website.
AmBisome is a registered trademark of Gilead Sciences, Inc.
CONTACT: Maribeth Landwehr of Fujisawa Healthcare, Inc., +1-847-317-8988, [email protected]
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