Efinaconazole: Developmental and reproductive toxicity potential of a novel antifungal azole

Reprod Toxicol. 2015 Apr:52:18-25. doi: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2014.12.007. Epub 2014 Dec 18.

Abstract

Efinaconazole is a new triazole antifungal for topical treatment of onychomycosis. The reproductive and developmental toxicity of efinaconazole was characterized in fertility and early embryonic development (rat), embryo-fetal development (rat and rabbit), and peri/post-natal development (rat) studies in accordance with current ICH guidances. In the fertility study, maternal reproductive toxicity was noted as estrous cycle prolongation (NOAEL=5mg/kg/day) but there were no male reproductive effects even in the presence of paternal toxicity (NOAEL=25mg/kg/day). Rat embryo-fetal and perinatal pup lethality was the most sensitive (NOAEL=5mg/kg/day) efinaconazole developmental toxicity and was noted at maternally toxic doses. Efinaconazole did not affect rabbit embryo-fetal development at maternally toxic doses (NOAEL=10mg/kg/day). No malformations were induced by efinaconazole in rats or rabbits. When compared with systemic exposures observed in onychomycosis patients, embryo-fetal toxicity in rats was noted at high (>100-fold) multiples of systemic exposure.

Keywords: Antifungal; CYP51; Efinaconazole; Embryolethal; Lanosterol 14α demethylase; Propylene glycol; Triazole.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Newborn
  • Antifungal Agents / toxicity*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Embryonic Development / drug effects*
  • Estrous Cycle / drug effects
  • Female
  • Fertility / drug effects
  • Fetal Death
  • Male
  • Rabbits
  • Rats
  • Reproduction / drug effects*
  • Triazoles / administration & dosage
  • Triazoles / toxicity*

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents
  • Triazoles
  • efinaconazole