Astellas receives FDA approval for new anti-fungal drug CRESEMBA

Astellas has received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the development of a new drug designed to help treat potentially life-threatening fungal infections in individuals with weak immune systems.

Members of the FDA's Anti-Infective Drugs Advisory Committee voted unanimously to recommend the new treatment, which is known as CRESEMBA, or to give it its scientific name, isavuconazonium.

Two phase III trials to test the medication's effectiveness have already taken place, involving adults suffering from fungal diseases.

CRESEMBA will initially be developed for the treatment of invasive aspergillosis, as well as invasive mucormycosis, in patients who are classed as being immunocompromised.

Fellow pharmaceutical firm Basilea Pharmaceutica International will be working alongside Astellas to manufacture the new treatment, which will be available in both oral and intravenous form.

Executive vice-president of Astellas Bernie Zeiher commented: "We look forward to working with the FDA to bring this important new therapy to patients to address an unmet need in the treatment of these life-threatening infections."