Isavuconazole therapeutic drug monitoring associated to a pharmacogenetic exploration is far from being a pharmacologists’ whim

ABSTRACT Isavuconazole is a new antifungal prodrug to treat invasive aspergillosis and mucormycosis, theoretically not requiring drug monitoring. However, we reported 4 clinical cases with toxic concentrations. Based on Desai’s population pharmacokinetic model, we estimated patients’ kinetic profile. Clearance was abnormally low, likely related to CYP3A4/5 polymorphisms. Thus, we recommend to collect blood sample just before the first maintenance dose to estimate pharmacokinetic profile and individualized dose. For patients presenting high concentrations, pharmacogenetics can be done.