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Famvir (FAMCICLOVIR)
Famvir (generic name: FAMCICLOVIR) is a Herpes Simplex Virus Nucleoside Analog DNA Polymerase Inhibitor [EPC] Small molecule drug developed by Novartis. It is currently FDA-approved (first approved 1994) for Herpes simplex, Herpes zoster, Recurrent Mucocutaneous Herpes Simplex in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infected Patients.
Famvir works by inhibiting the replication of herpes simplex virus DNA through its action as a nucleoside analog DNA polymerase inhibitor.
Famvir, also known as Famciclovir, is a small molecule that inhibits human herpesvirus 1 DNA polymerase. It is used to treat conditions such as Herpes Zoster, as indicated by ClinicalTrials.gov.
At a glance
| Generic name | FAMCICLOVIR |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Novartis |
| Drug class | Herpes Simplex Virus Nucleoside Analog DNA Polymerase Inhibitor [EPC] |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Immunology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
| First approval | 1994 |
Mechanism of action
Famciclovir is an orally administered prodrug of the antiviral agent penciclovir [see Microbiology (12.4)].
Approved indications
- Herpes simplex
- Herpes zoster
- Recurrent Mucocutaneous Herpes Simplex in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infected Patients
- Recurrent genital herpes simplex
- Recurrent herpes simplex labialis
- Suppression of Recurrent Herpes Simplex Infection
Common side effects
- Headache
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Abdominal Pain
- Flatulence
- Paresthesia
- Migraine
- Dysmenorrhea
- Rash
- Pruritus
Drug interactions
- rifampicin
Key clinical trials
- Precision Medicine Approach for Early Dementia & Mild Cognitive Impairment (PHASE3)
- Efficacy and Safety of Intravenous Dexamethasone Palmitate Treatments in Acute and Subacute Herpes Zoster Pain (NA)
- Efficacy and Safety of Brivudine in the Treatment of Herpes Zoster (PHASE4)
- Multimodal Nerve Block and Pulse Radiofrequency for Acute Herpes Zoster Pain (NA)
- Effect of Mechanical Ventilation on Radiofrequency Ablation in Atrial Fibrillation
- Famciclovir 500 mg Tablets Under Non-Fasting Conditions (PHASE1)
- Famciclovir 500 mg Tablets Under Fasting Conditions (PHASE1)
- Famciclovir in Multiple Sclerosis (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 |
|---|---|
| FDA label | Mechanism, indications, dosing, boxed warnings, drug interactions |
| 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:
- Famvir CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Famvir updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Novartis portfolio CI
Frequently asked questions about Famvir
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Related
- Drug class: All Herpes Simplex Virus Nucleoside Analog DNA Polymerase Inhibitor [EPC] drugs
- Manufacturer: Novartis — full pipeline
- Therapeutic area: All drugs in Immunology
- Indication: Drugs for Herpes simplex
- Indication: Drugs for Herpes zoster
- Indication: Drugs for Recurrent Mucocutaneous Herpes Simplex in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infected Patients
Primary sources · FDA · ClinicalTrials.gov · EMA · SEC EDGAR · ChEMBL · Wikidata · full sourcing