Cancidas gains pediatric indication

The FDA has approved Cancidas (caspofungin acetate, from Merck) for the treatment of children 3 months to 17 years of age with indicated fungal infections. Indicated fungal infections include: suspected fungal infection in febrile/neutropenic patients; Candidemia; esophageal candidiasis; Candida infections in intra-abdominal abscesses, peritonitis, or pleural space; and refractory invasive Aspergillosis.

Pediatric approval is based on five clinical studies involving 171 patients that demonstrated efficacy of Cancidas in pediatric patients and showed a safety and tolerability profile comparable to that of adults.

Cancidas, an echinocandin antifungal, is already approved for use in adults with indicated fungal infections.

For more information call (866) 342-5683 or visit www.cancidas.com.