Description
Caspofungin acetate is a lipopeptide antifungal that inhibits the enzyme 1,3-β-Glucan synthase, which synthesizes β-glucan polymers that form fungal cell walls. Caspofungin acetate is active against a variety of Aspergillus and Candida species and unlike many antifungals, is not metabolized by the cytochrome p450 system. The ability of caspofungin acetate to inhibit β-glucan synthesis decreases cell wall mechanical strength, alters cell surface hydrophobicity, and triggers cell aggregation.