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

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.