DAINIPPON SUMITOMO TO LAUNCH ANTIFUNGAL AGENT

Japanese drugmaker Dainippon Sumitomo is preparing to release AmBisome 50 mg for intravenous drip infusion, an antifungal agent for treating deep-seated mycosis infection, the company announced.

AmBiosome, which the company has licensed from U.S.-based company Gilead Sciences, is a liposomal formulation of amphotericin B. It retains the efficacy of amphotericin B while reducing the damage to kidneys.

The drug is the only antifungal agent indicated for the treatment of febrile neutropenia with suspected mycotic infection. It is currently available in 45 countries worldwide.