Cidofovir

Cidofovir is an injectable antiviral medication for the treatment of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis in patients with AIDS. It suppresses CMV replication by selective inhibition of viral DNA synthesis.

Cidofovir demonstrated a statistically significant effect in delaying the progression of CMV retinitis lesions in newly diagnosed patients, as well as in previously treated patients who had failed other therapies. Maintenance therapy with cidofovir involves an infusion only once every two weeks, making it a convenient treatment option. Because dosing is relatively infrequent, a permanent catheter is not necessary for infusions. The major side effect of cidofovir is that it can be nephrotoxic.


 * Cidofovir has also shown efficacy in the treatment of acyclovir resistant herpes


 * Cidofovir has also been investigated as a treatment for progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, but as of 2005 studies are inconclusive.


 * Cidofovir might have anti-smallpox efficacy and might be used on a limited basis in the event of a bioterror incident involving smallpox cases.


 * Cidofovir shows anti-BK virus activity in a subgroup of transplant patients.


 * Cidofovir is being investigated as a complementary intralesional therapy during laryngo- and bronchoscopic excision of papillomatosis caused by HPV.

Cidofovir was developed by Gilead Sciences and is marketed with the brand name Vistide by Gilead in the USA, and by Pfizer elsewhere.

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