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# FDA Grants Fast Track Status for Cryptococcal Meningitis Drug
- URL: https://www.fdaweb.com/fda-grants-fast-track-status-for-cryptococcal-meningitis-drug/
- Published: 2016-06-02T12:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-14T21:06:51.000Z
- Author: David McFarland
- Tags: Drugs, #legacy-id-D5135825

FDA has granted Viamet Pharmaceuticals fast track status for VT-1129 for treating cryptococcal meningitis, a life-threatening fungal infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. Previously, the inhibitor of fungal CYP51 received orphan drug and qualified infectious disease product designations from the agency.

Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening fungal infection that occurs most often in immunocompromised patients such as HIV patients, transplant recipients and oncology patients, according to the company. An estimated 3,400 hospitalizations related to cryptococcal meningitis occur annually in the U.S.

In preclinical models, Viamet says VT-1129 has demonstrated “robust activity against *Cryptococcus* species as well as the ability to achieve high concentrations within the central nervous system, the primary site of infection.” It is currently conducting a Phase 1 clinical trial of VT-1129 in healthy volunteers in the U.S.