Positive Phase II results for fungal infection drug

Merck has unveiled interim Phase II data for Cancidas, an antifungal drug for pediatric patients with candidiasis, esophageal candidiasis or invasive aspergillosis. Seventy-four percent of trial participants treated with the drug achieved complete or significant improvement in signs and symptoms related to each infection type studied. No serious adverse events were reported. Cancidas has been approved for adults but not for children under 18.

"These interim results are a preliminary indicator that Cancidas may be a therapeutic intervention for pediatric patients with invasive fungal infections," said Dr. Theoklis Zaoutis, the lead study investigator.

- see the release for more