Basilea Pharmaceutica announced that strong sales performance of its antifungal drug Cresemba (isavuconazole) by licensing partner Pfizer in Asia Pacific and China has triggered a second $2.5 million milestone payment in 2025, highlighting the growing global demand for novel antifungal therapies.
Record-Breaking Global Performance
According to the latest market data, total global in-market sales of Cresemba reached $562 million in the twelve-month period between January and December 2024, representing a 19% year-over-year growth. This performance has established Cresemba as the largest branded antifungal for invasive fungal infections worldwide.
David Veitch, Basilea's Chief Executive Officer, emphasized the clinical significance of these results: "This milestone payment for the Asia Pacific region, including China, reflects the strong and growing global demand for novel antifungal therapies. Continued growth of Cresemba, particularly in China, where uptake has been especially robust, reinforces its significant clinical value for patients facing life-threatening infections."
Expanding Global Reach
Cresemba is currently marketed in more than 70 countries through Basilea's extensive licensing and distribution network covering approximately 115 countries. The license agreement between Basilea and Pfizer specifically covers Europe (excluding Nordic countries), China, and 16 countries in the Asia Pacific region.
The drug's broad regulatory approval spans multiple major markets, including the European Union, United Kingdom, United States, and several Asia Pacific countries, providing comprehensive global access for patients with severe fungal infections.
Clinical Applications and Formulations
Cresemba, containing the active ingredient isavuconazole, is available as both intravenous and oral azole antifungal formulations. In China, both formulations are approved for treating adult patients with invasive aspergillosis and invasive mucormycosis, two life-threatening fungal infections that require immediate and effective treatment.
The drug's dual administration routes provide healthcare providers with flexibility in treatment approaches, allowing for intravenous therapy in acute hospital settings and oral maintenance therapy for continued treatment.
Commercial Partnership Success
The milestone payment represents the second such payment Basilea has received in 2025, demonstrating the sustained commercial momentum of Cresemba in key international markets. Veitch congratulated partner Pfizer for their commitment to making the therapy available to patients in need, particularly in regions where access to advanced antifungal treatments has historically been limited.
The strong performance in China, where uptake has been especially robust according to company statements, reflects the significant unmet medical need for effective antifungal therapies in the region and the drug's proven clinical value in treating life-threatening infections.
