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The Sound of Evolution
Posaconazole
Mechanism of action:
Posaconazole is a triazole derivative. It inhibits fungal lanosterol 14α-demethylase (CYP51), the enzyme responsible for converting lanosterol into ergosterol. When this step is blocked, the fungal cell membrane becomes structurally incomplete, and lanosterol accumulates because it cannot be converted further, causing toxicity. This ultimately suppresses fungal growth or causes cellular damage.
Reference(s):
1. Cornely OA et al. (2007). Posaconazole vs. fluconazole or itraconazole prophylaxis in patients with neutropenia. N Engl J Med.
2. Ullmann AJ et al. (2007). Posaconazole or fluconazole for prophylaxis in severe graft-versus-host disease. N Engl J Med.
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