# MBX-7591: a promising drug candidate against drug-resistant fungal infections

## TL;DR

MBX-7591 is a new drug candidate that shows promise against drug-resistant fungal infections by targeting a key enzyme in fungal fatty acid biosynthesis.

## Contribution

MBX-7591 introduces a novel antifungal mechanism by inhibiting stearoyl-CoA 9-desaturase, potentially reducing resistance risks.

## Key findings

- MBX-7591 demonstrates antifungal activity against Aspergillus fumigatus and triazole-resistant strains.
- The compound inhibits stearoyl-CoA 9-desaturase, a key enzyme in fungal fatty acid biosynthesis.
- This unique mechanism may reduce the likelihood of resistance development.

## Abstract

Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) caused by pathogenic fungi pose a significant public health concern, particularly for immunocompromised individuals. Mortality rates for IFIs remain high, and currently available treatment options are limited. Existing antifungal agents often suffer from limited clinical efficacy, poor fungicidal activity within the host, potential toxicity, and increasing ineffectiveness due to emerging resistance, especially against triazole drugs, the current mainstay of antifungal treatment. A recent study has identified MBX-7591, a small molecule with promising antifungal activity against Aspergillus fumigatus and other pathogenic fungi, including strains resistant to triazoles (C. Gutierrez-Perez, C. Puerner, J. T. Jones, S. Vellanki, E. M. Vesely, et al., mBio e01166-24, 2024, https://doi.org/10.1128/mbio.01166-24). This novel compound appears to inhibit stearoyl-CoA 9-desaturase, a key enzyme involved in fungal fatty acid biosynthesis. By disrupting the conversion of saturated fatty acids to oleic acid, MBX-7591 offers a unique mechanism of action, potentially reducing the risk of resistance development. Here, we now discuss the implications of these groundbreaking findings for overcoming antifungal drug resistance.