Fungal CETR

Accelerator for the rapid development of countermeasures targeting drug resistant fungal pathogens

Invasive fungal infections pose a significant medical challenge, particularly for individuals with compromised immune systems or other conditions due to HIV, cancer, organ transplantation, diabetes, chronic respiratory ailments, tuberculosis, COVID-19, and influenza. Prompt diagnosis and effective antifungal treatment are crucial for positive clinical outcomes. Current antifungal drugs are limited in number and efficacy, and their effectiveness has been compromised by the emergence of drug-resistant strains, notably Candida auris, Candida glabrata, and Aspergillus fumigatus. To combat this growing problem, there is an urgent need to develop new drugs capable of effectively treating invasive infections caused by drug-resistant fungal pathogens. Additionally, actionable point-of-care diagnostics for Candida bloodstream infections are essential for initiating timely and appropriate therapy, ultimately reducing overall mortality rates.