Patient population not available

This is a phase-I, double-blind, randomized study with hLF1-11 to study the tolerability and early efficacy of hLF1-11 compared to standard fluconazole therapy in hospitalized patients with invasive Candida infection.

RATIONALE FOR THE STUDY

Choice of Drug

Fluconazole is considered "standard care" for the treatment of Candida infections, including candidaemia in hospitalized patients.

Preclinical data has demonstrated that hLF1-11 possesses potent antimycotic effects against Candida sp and, importantly, to be synergistic with fluconazole, whereby Candida strains that are fluconazole-resistant become sensitive through the addition of hLF1-11

Choice of Patient Population

Based on preclinical data hLF1-11 has been shown to possess potent effects on Candida albicans models in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, candidaemia (bloodstream Candida infection) is one of the most likely settings to elicit a therapeutic response since the product is presented as an intravenous formulation

As previously mentioned, fluconazole and hLF1-11 exhibit a synergistic effect in preclinical studies, whereby the effect of fluconazole is enhanced by the addition of hLF1-11.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Written informed consent must be obtained before admission in the study.
• Patients in whom Candida species have been confirmed by 2 consecutive blood cultures within 12 hours.
• Patients who have not received systemic administration of antifungal agents or who have started such administration within 48 hours prior to entry.
• Patients who have hepatic and renal parameters within 2X ULN (upper level of normality) at screening.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with a history of hypersensitivity to fluconazole or hLF1-11.
• Patients who have been treated with fluconazole for at least 1 week within the previous 4 weeks.
• Patients with a history of fluconazole-resistant Candida species within 12 weeks.
• Neutropenic patients with neutrophil count below 0.5x10^9/L.
• Patients who are treated with terfenadine, triazolam, cisapride, and ergotamine, which are contraindicated for concomitant use with fluconazole.
• Patients known to have AIDS or who are HIV-positive.
• Females who have a positive pregnancy test at baseline or are capable of child-bearing i.e. without appropriate contraception (chemical or mechanical).
• Patients with suspected candida osteomyelitis, endocarditis, or meningitis.
• Patients who have received an investigational drug within three months prior to the study.
• Patients with a concomitant medical condition, in whom, in the opinion of the Investigator, participation may create an unacceptable risk for the patient.
• Patients considered inappropriate by the PI for enrollment in the study, for any reason.