Echinocandin

Echinocandins are a class of antifungal medications used to treat fungal infections, particularly those caused by Candida and Aspergillus species. They work by inhibiting an enzyme essential for building the fungal cell wall, which weakens the fungus and leads to its death. Since human cells do not have cell walls, echinocandins specifically target fungi without harming human cells. These drugs are often used in severe or difficult-to-treat infections, especially in immunocompromised patients, and are usually administered intravenously in a hospital setting. Examples include caspofungin, micafungin, and anidulafungin.