Treatment of experimental cryptococcal meningitis and disseminated candidiasis with SCH39304.

We studied the pharmacokinetics and in vivo antifungal action of SCH39304, a new antifungal azole compound, in rabbits. It crossed the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier in the presence or absence of meningeal inflammation, reaching approximately 60% of the simultaneous concentrations in serum. In the treatment of experimental cryptococcal meningitis, SCH39304 was as effective as fluconazole in reducing yeast counts in the subarachnoid space. SCH39304 and fluconazole both were highly effective against candida endophthalmitis, sterilizing the vitreous humor and the choroid and retina. SCH39304 suppressed candida endocarditis and reduced yeast counts in the kidney at all doses tested. SCH39304 was effective in the treatment of experimental cryptococcal meningitis and disseminated candidiasis. Further investigations in humans are warranted.