The Development of Oral Amphotericin B to Treat Systemic Fungal and Parasitic Infections: Has the Myth Been Finally Realized?

Abstract

Parenteral amphotericin B has been considered as first-line therapy in the treatment of systemic fungal and parasitic infections, however its use has been associated with a number of limitations including affordability, accessibility, and an array of systemic toxicities. Until very recently, it has been very challenging to develop a bioavailable formulation of amphotericin B due to its physical chemical properties, limited water and lipid solubility, and poor absorption. This perspective reviews several novel oral Amphotericin B formulations under development that are attempting to overcome these limitations.

Keywords

• oral formulation
• amphotericin B
• fungal infections
• parasitic infections
• developing world
• drug delivery