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Ketoconazole 2%
Ketoconazole inhibits fungal cytochrome P450 enzymes, disrupting ergosterol synthesis in the fungal cell membrane and causing cell death.
Ketoconazole inhibits fungal cytochrome P450 enzymes, disrupting ergosterol synthesis in the fungal cell membrane and causing cell death. Used for Tinea corporis (ringworm), Tinea cruris (jock itch), Tinea pedis (athlete's foot).
At a glance
| Generic name | Ketoconazole 2% |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | University of California, Davis |
| Drug class | Imidazole antifungal |
| Target | Fungal cytochrome P450 (CYP51 / lanosterol 14α-demethylase) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Infectious Disease / Dermatology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Ketoconazole is an imidazole antifungal that blocks the fungal enzyme lanosterol 14α-demethylase (CYP51), a key step in ergosterol biosynthesis. Without ergosterol, the fungal cell membrane becomes unstable and permeable, leading to leakage of cellular contents and fungal cell death. The 2% formulation is typically used for topical application to treat superficial fungal infections.
Approved indications
- Tinea corporis (ringworm)
- Tinea cruris (jock itch)
- Tinea pedis (athlete's foot)
- Pityriasis versicolor
- Cutaneous candidiasis
- Seborrheic dermatitis
Common side effects
- Local irritation or burning at application site
- Pruritus
- Erythema
- Contact dermatitis
Key clinical trials
- Mycological Efficacy and Safety of Ketoconazole 2% Shampoo With a Seven-Day Versus Three-Day Treatment Duration in Pityriasis Versicolor (PHASE4)
- Alternation in the Human Microbiome With Commonly Used Topical Medications (PHASE1)
- Anticoagulation in ICH Survivors for Stroke Prevention and Recovery (PHASE3)
- Comparison of the Efficacy of Topical Luliconazole 2% Cream vs Topical Ketoconazole 1% Cream in the Treatment of Pityriasis Versicolor. (PHASE4)
- Neuro-pharmacological Properties of Repurposed Ketoconazole in Glioblastomas (EARLY_PHASE1)
- Assessment of the Efficacy of Topical Ketoconazole 2% Cream in Comparison With Topical Retinoids in the Treatment of Mild Comedonal and Papulopustular Acne (NA)
- Hormonal Mechanisms of Sleep Restriction (EARLY_PHASE1)
- An Open-label, Dose-Escalation and Dose-Expansion Study of GB3226 in Patients With Relapsed/Refractory Acute Myeloid Leukemia (PHASE1, PHASE2)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Ketoconazole 2% CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Ketoconazole 2% updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- University of California, Davis portfolio CI