Cadila Pharmaceuticals has launched a new triazole antifungal drug Posaconazole, which is effective against a wide range of invasive fungal diseases. The drug has also been recommended as a second-line treatment for Mucormycosis or black fungus as it is commonly known.

Posaconazole works by stopping the growth of fungi and has an excellent safety profile. Serious side effects are rare, even in the case of prolonged use.

“We have put in place the systems to ensure supply of the drug to hospitals on a priority basis. We aim to reach over 1,000 hospitals through our 4,000-strong distributor network in the next few weeks,” said OP Singh, President of Sales and Marketing, Cadila Pharmaceuticals..

Posaconazole is approved for prophylaxis against Aspergillus and Candida infections in immunocompromised patients at high risk for these infections and oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC). The drug is presently available in suspension and tablet forms, while the injectable form is in the pipeline and is expected to be launched soon.

“Several studies have confirmed that compared with other azole antifungals, Posaconazole is much more effective against many Mucorales species that are responsible for the deadly Mucormycosis infection in COVID-19 patients. In addition to approved indications, posaconazole has been used with success as salvage therapy for invasive mould infections and endemic mycoses in patients who are refractory to or intolerant of other antifungal agents”, said Singh.