Oral Amphotericin B - Bypassing Renal toxicity

Researchers at the University of British Columbia (Canada) discovered new drug delivery system for Amphotericin B (AmB), bypassing notable renal toxicity associated with currently available intravenous AmB formulation. Newer oral preparation containing lipid-based AmB targets specifically fungal cells while inhibiting drug's interaction with kidney cells - thereby avoiding lethal toxicity and increasing efficacy. This can be a boon for thousands of patients suffering from dreaded fungal infections associated with HIV/AIDS and other immuno compromised diseases by providing more effective, less toxic and cheaper alternative to intravenous AmB. A clinical study of the drug delivery system, involving 50-100 patients, is planned for later this year. Study led by Wasan KM will be presented today at a meeting sponsored by the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists in Washington, D.C. Findings will be published in July 2007 in Drug Development and Industrial Pharmacy.

Use of Liposomal AmB (AmBisome®) is associated with raised serum creatinine level in 18% to 40%; hematuria in 14% of cases and acute renal failure and/or toxic renal nephropathy in 2% to 10% of cases. However, incidence of decreased renal function and infusion-related events are lower than rates observed with conventional amphotericin B deoxycholate (Amphocin®, Fungizone®).²

Reference:
1. EurekAlert! 5-March-2007
2. Drug information by Merck Inc. - Liposomal AmB
3. AmBisome monograph
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