Voriconazole is a new drug developed to treat fungal infections. As of March 1999, the drug
had been studied in more than 1,900 healthy volunteers or patients with fungal infections.
This study will test extended use of voriconazole in patients with serious fungal infections
for which there are no approved therapies, and in patients who did not improve with or could
not tolerate standard therapy. It will evaluate the drug's safety, effectiveness, and
toleration in these patients.
Patients previous enrolled in protocol 99-C-0094 who improved with voriconazole treatment are
eligible for this study. Before beginning treatment, patients will have a physical
examination, including blood and urine tests, and an eye examination. They may also have
X-ray or CT imaging. Voriconazole will then be given twice a day either by infusion into a
vein or by tablets taken by mouth for up to 12 weeks. Patients will be examined at weeks 4, 8
and 12 of the study and one week after treatment stops. Blood and urine samples will be
collected at each visit. An eye examination will be done at the end of the treatment period
and at other visits if vision problems develop.
Voriconazole is active against fungal infections and may produce fewer side effects than
standard therapy.