# The next-generation polyene EL219 is efficacious in an experimental model of central nervous system coccidioidomycosis caused by Coccidioides immitis

## TL;DR

A new drug called EL219 was found to be effective in treating a fungal infection in the brains of mice caused by Coccidioides immitis.

## Contribution

The study demonstrates the efficacy of EL219, a next-generation polyene, in treating central nervous system coccidioidomycosis in an animal model.

## Key findings

- EL219 significantly improved survival in mice with central nervous system coccidioidomycosis.
- EL219 reduced brain fungal burden compared to a control group.
- Fluconazole also improved survival but was compared alongside EL219.

## Abstract

We evaluated the in vivo activity of EL219 against central nervous system coccidioidomycosis. Mice were inoculated intracranially with arthroconidia of Coccidioides immitis, and treatment with EL219 (5, 10, or 20 mg/kg QD by intraperitoneal injection) or fluconazole (25 mg/kg orally BID) began 2 days later. Each dose of EL219 and fluconazole significantly improved survival. Brain fungal burden was also reduced compared to vehicle control. Further studies of EL219 against coccidioidomycosis are warranted.