Micafungin
Application Notes
Micafungin is a semi-synthetic cyclic lipopeptide belonging to the echinocandin class that was reported in 1999 from Fujisawa in Japan. Unlike other marketed semi-synthetic derivatives in this class, micafungin is not derived from echinocandin but rather from FR901379 which contains a phenolic sulfate to enhance aqueous solubility, a serious limitation in the class. Micafungin inhibits the synthesis of β-(1,3)-D-glucan, an essential component of the cell wall of susceptible fungi and is extensively referenced in the literature with over 700 citations.
References
- FK463, a novel water-soluble echinocandin lipopeptide: Synthesis and antifungal activity. Tomishima M. et al., J. Antibiot. 1999, 52, 674.
- In vitro activities of a new lipopeptide antifungal agent, FK463, against a variety of clinically important fungi. Tawara S. et al., Antimicrob. Agents Chemother. 2000, 44, 57.