In vitro and in vivo activities of NS-718, a new lipid nanosphere incorporating amphotericin B, against Aspergillus fumigatus

Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 1999 Mar;43(3):471-5. doi: 10.1128/AAC.43.3.471.

Abstract

We evaluated the in vitro and in vivo potencies of a new lipid nanosphere that incorporates amphotericin B (AmB), NS-718, against Aspergillus fumigatus. The in vitro activity of NS-718 (the MIC at which 90% of strains are inhibited [MIC90], 0.25 microgram/ml) against 18 isolates of A. fumigatus was similar to that of deoxycholate AmB (D-AmB; Fungizone; MIC90, 0.25 microgram/ml), but NS-718 was more potent than liposomal AmB (L-AmB; AmBi-some; MIC90, 1.0 microgram/ml). The in vivo efficacy of NS-718 in a rat model of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis was compared with those of D-AmB and L-AmB. A low dose (1 mg/kg of body weight) of L-AmB was ineffective (survival rate, 0%), although equivalent doses of D-AmB and NS-718 were more effective (survival rate, 17%). However, a higher dose of NS-718 (3 mg/kg) was more effective (survival rate, 100%) than equivalent doses of D-AmB and L-AmB (survival rate, 0%). To explain these differences, pharmacokinetic studies showed higher concentrations of AmB in the plasma of rats treated with NS-718 than in the plasma of those treated with D-AmB. Our results suggest that NS-718, a new preparation of AmB, is a promising antifungal agent with activity against pulmonary aspergillosis.

MeSH terms

  • Amphotericin B / administration & dosage
  • Amphotericin B / pharmacokinetics
  • Amphotericin B / pharmacology*
  • Animals
  • Antifungal Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antifungal Agents / pharmacokinetics
  • Antifungal Agents / pharmacology*
  • Aspergillosis, Allergic Bronchopulmonary / drug therapy*
  • Aspergillosis, Allergic Bronchopulmonary / microbiology
  • Aspergillus fumigatus / drug effects*
  • Colony Count, Microbial
  • Drug Carriers
  • Immunocompromised Host
  • Lipids
  • Male
  • Microspheres
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents
  • Drug Carriers
  • Lipids
  • Amphotericin B