Definition

A semi-synthetic echinocandin derived from a natural product of the fungus Coleophama empedri with potent antifungal activity. Micafungin, like other cyclic lipopeptides, noncompetitively inhibits the fungal specific enzyme 1,3-beta-D-glucan synthase, an enzyme essential for fungal cell wall synthesis. Inhibition of this enzyme weakens of the cell wall, thereby leading to osmotic lysis and eventually, fungal cell death.