FDA GRANTS FAST-TRACK DESIGNATION TO BASILEA'S BAL8557

Basilea Pharmaceutica has received fast-track designation from the FDA for its novel broad-spectrum antifungal BAL8557.

BAL8557's extended antifungal spectrum covers most yeasts and molds including fluconazole resistant candida strains, aspergillus and zygomyces that cause serious infections in patients with a weakened immune system. The drug is water-soluble and can be given by injection or orally. It is highly bio-available and can be administered in convenient once-daily or once-weekly dosing regimens. It also has potentially less drug-drug interactions than a number of other drugs in current use, said the company.