Last reviewed 2026-05-24 · How we verify

Tavaborole 5% Topical Solution

Pfizer · FDA-approved active Small molecule Under review Quality 0/100

Tavaborole 5% Topical Solution is a Benzoxaborole antifungal Small molecule drug developed by Pfizer. It is currently FDA-approved for Onychomycosis (fungal nail infection) caused by dermatophytes. Also known as: Kerydin.

Tavaborole inhibits fungal squalene epoxidase, disrupting ergosterol synthesis and causing fungal cell death.

Tavaborole 5% Topical Solution is a small molecule inhibitor of leucine-tRNA ligase, used to treat onychomycosis of the toenail, onychomycosis, and tinea unguium. It is a leucine-tRNA ligase inhibitor that has been evaluated in clinical trials for its efficacy and safety in treating these conditions.

At a glance

Generic name	Tavaborole 5% Topical Solution
Also known as	Kerydin
Sponsor	Pfizer
Drug class	Benzoxaborole antifungal
Target	Squalene epoxidase
Modality	Small molecule
Therapeutic area	Dermatology/Infectious Disease
Phase	FDA-approved

Mechanism of action

Tavaborole is a benzoxaborole antifungal that selectively inhibits squalene epoxidase, a key enzyme in the fungal ergosterol biosynthesis pathway. By blocking ergosterol production, the drug compromises fungal cell membrane integrity, leading to cell death. This mechanism is selective for fungal cells and has activity against dermatophytes and other fungi causing onychomycosis.

Approved indications

Onychomycosis (fungal nail infection) caused by dermatophytes

Common side effects

Application site irritation
Erythema
Pruritus

Key clinical trials

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

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Frequently asked questions about Tavaborole 5% Topical Solution

What is Tavaborole 5% Topical Solution?

Tavaborole 5% Topical Solution is a Benzoxaborole antifungal drug developed by Pfizer, indicated for Onychomycosis (fungal nail infection) caused by dermatophytes.

How does Tavaborole 5% Topical Solution work?

Tavaborole inhibits fungal squalene epoxidase, disrupting ergosterol synthesis and causing fungal cell death.

What is Tavaborole 5% Topical Solution used for?

Tavaborole 5% Topical Solution is indicated for Onychomycosis (fungal nail infection) caused by dermatophytes.

Who makes Tavaborole 5% Topical Solution?

Tavaborole 5% Topical Solution is developed and marketed by Pfizer (see full Pfizer pipeline at /company/pfizer).

Is Tavaborole 5% Topical Solution also known as anything else?

Tavaborole 5% Topical Solution is also known as Kerydin.

What drug class is Tavaborole 5% Topical Solution in?

Tavaborole 5% Topical Solution belongs to the Benzoxaborole antifungal class. See all Benzoxaborole antifungal drugs at /class/benzoxaborole-antifungal.

What development phase is Tavaborole 5% Topical Solution in?

Tavaborole 5% Topical Solution is FDA-approved (marketed).

What are the side effects of Tavaborole 5% Topical Solution?

Common side effects of Tavaborole 5% Topical Solution include Application site irritation, Erythema, Pruritus.

What does Tavaborole 5% Topical Solution target?

Tavaborole 5% Topical Solution targets Squalene epoxidase and is a Benzoxaborole antifungal.

Drug class: All Benzoxaborole antifungal drugs
Target: All drugs targeting Squalene epoxidase
Manufacturer: Pfizer — full pipeline
Therapeutic area: All drugs in Dermatology/Infectious Disease
Indication: Drugs for Onychomycosis (fungal nail infection) caused by dermatophytes
Also known as: Kerydin

Primary sources · FDA · ClinicalTrials.gov · EMA · SEC EDGAR · ChEMBL · Wikidata · full sourcing