Drug repurposing to fight resistant fungal species: Recent developments as novel therapeutic strategies

Author: mycolabadmin
6/11/2025
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Summary

This editorial highlights the growing problem of fungal infections that resist current treatments, causing millions of deaths worldwide each year. Researchers are finding new ways to fight these resistant infections by repurposing existing drugs in new combinations and discovering novel compounds from natural sources. The collection of studies presented shows promising results using combinations like minocycline with antifungal drugs, natural compounds like baicalin, and AI technology to predict resistance patterns. These innovative approaches offer hope for better treatment options for patients suffering from serious fungal infections.

Background

Fungal infections represent a growing global health threat with increasing incidence, high mortality rates, and limited therapeutic options. The situation is exacerbated by challenges in early diagnosis, delayed treatment, and the rise of antifungal resistance. Global estimates indicate approximately 6.5 million cases of invasive fungal infections annually, responsible for nearly 3.8 million deaths worldwide.

Objective

This editorial introduces a Research Topic focused on drug repurposing and novel therapeutic strategies to combat resistant fungal species. The initiative aims to advance Medical Mycology research while fostering discovery and development of innovative therapeutic strategies to overcome drug resistance that poses therapeutic failure in healthcare systems.

Results

The Research Topic features studies demonstrating synergistic combinations (minocycline with caspofungin, amantadine with azoles, posaconazole with tacrolimus), novel compound evaluations (baicalin, ProcCluster®, secondary metabolites from Ayurvedic plants), AI/machine learning applications for resistance prediction, and case studies of novel diagnostic approaches using metagenomic sequencing.

Conclusion

The collective contributions significantly advance the field of Medical Mycology with innovative and alternative therapeutic approaches for combating fungal infections. The research demonstrates promising results from drug repurposing, combination therapies, and natural compound screening, offering hope for improved management of drug-resistant fungal infections.

Published in:Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology,
Study Type:Editorial/Review Collection,
Source: PMID: 40568702, PMCID: PMC12187863, DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2025.1633037