New progress in azole antifungal drug research

There have been many new developments in azole antifungal drug reseach. The mechanism of azole antifungals has been further clarified. Moreover,several new compounds with broad spectrum, low toxicity and high efficiency are undergoing clinical trials.New progress in the mechanism of action of azole antifungals is reviewed.Five novel azole antifungal drugs (voriconazole, posaconazole,ravuconazole,Syn 2869 and TAK 187) are also introduced.The five new compounds have remarkable advantages as compared with fluconazole and itraconazole which are widely used in present clinical practice.