New Therapeutic Options for Fusariosis: A Patent Review (2008-2023)

Abstract

Fusariosis is an infection caused by the fungus Fusarium spp., which is pathogenic to both plants and humans. The disease presents several clinical manifestations and epidemiological patterns. Current treatment relies on azoles and polyenes, but increasing antifungal resistance requires the exploration of new therapeutic options. This study reviewed patents related to the treatment of Fusariosis from the last 15 years (up to June 2023). The search identified 318 patents, categorized by identification code, publication date, type of application and mechanism of action, using the International Patent Classification and Cooperative Patent Classification systems. In addition, we conducted a bibliographic search in the PubMed database using the same criteria to identify the number of scientific articles. Of the 318 patents, 21 targeted Fusarium infections in humans. The years 2014 and 2018 stood out with three patents each, while the same period recorded an average of 58 published articles. The patents addressed mechanisms such as drug delivery, gene expression, immunotherapy, engineered drugs, and novel compounds. This research highlights the urgent need for continued innovation in therapeutic technologies to effectively treat Fusarium wilt.

Keywords: Fusarium; antifungal agents; drug innovation; fungal infection.

Figure 1

Flowchart of the screening and selection process for patents related to the treatment of Fusariosis (2008–2023), following the PRISMA model.

Figure 2

Analysis of patents (A) and scientific publications (B) related to the treatment of human Fusariosis between 2008 and 2023. Distribution of patent classifications related to Fusarium spp. treatment (C). Number of patent publications by sector (D). Analyzes the distribution of patents by status and country (US: United States; WO: World Organization) (E).