Polyene Macrolide Antibotic Derivatives: Preparation, Overcoming Drug Resistance, and Prospects for Use in Medical Practice (Review)

Abstract

Series of semi-synthetic polyene macrolide antibiotics (PMAs) that were prepared by chemical modification in original research by the authors are reviewed. Chemical modification, in particular phosphorylation, was shown to produce highly efficacious PMAs with low toxicities and extended spectra of biological activity. The prospects of using liposomal and nano-derivatives of these antifungal antibiotics are discussed. Crucial issues related to the resistance of pathogenic fungi and the expanding distribution of invasive mycoses are identified. Semi-synthetic PMAs are shown to be highly effective at preventing and treating invasive mycoses and opportunistic fungal infections occurring in AIDS patients. Special attention is paid to structure—activity relationships for the semi-synthetic PMAs. Possible mechanisms of action of these compounds on pathogenic fungi are discussed. An automated intellectual information system was developed for selecting the optimal conditions for development, synthesis, and application in medical practice of new PMAs.