Fomivirsen approved for CMV retinitis

J Int Assoc Physicians AIDS Care. 1998 Oct;4(10):14-6.

Abstract

AIDS: Fomivirsen (Vitravene) is the first antisense drug to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and it will be used for the treatment of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis. Fomivirsen is administered by intravitreal injection, and it can be used to help patients who are resistant to other treatments for CMV. Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., manufacturer of fomivirsen, had a difficult time recruiting people for its clinical trials, due to the decline in the incidence of opportunistic infections. However, Isis still made a presentation to the FDA, providing clinical data about patients, treatment methods, and outcomes. A detailed explanation of antisense drugs is included.

Publication types

  • Newspaper Article

MeSH terms

  • AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / drug therapy*
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Cytomegalovirus Retinitis / drug therapy*
  • DNA, Antisense / physiology*
  • Drug Approval*
  • Humans
  • Thionucleotides / therapeutic use*
  • United States
  • United States Food and Drug Administration*

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • DNA, Antisense
  • Thionucleotides
  • fomivirsen