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VAL
VAL is a valganciclovir prodrug that is converted to ganciclovir in the body to inhibit viral DNA polymerase and prevent cytomegalovirus (CMV) replication.
VAL is a valganciclovir prodrug that is converted to ganciclovir in the body to inhibit viral DNA polymerase and prevent cytomegalovirus (CMV) replication. Used for Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis in immunocompromised patients (including HIV/AIDS), CMV disease prevention in high-risk transplant recipients.
At a glance
| Generic name | VAL |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Valproic acid, Depakote® |
| Sponsor | Estetra |
| Drug class | Nucleoside analog antiviral |
| Target | Cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNA polymerase |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Infectious Disease / Virology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Valganciclovir is an L-valyl ester prodrug of ganciclovir that achieves higher oral bioavailability than ganciclovir alone. Once absorbed, it is rapidly converted to ganciclovir by intestinal and hepatic esterases. Ganciclovir is then phosphorylated by viral thymidine kinase and cellular kinases to form the active triphosphate form, which inhibits viral DNA polymerase and prevents CMV DNA synthesis.
Approved indications
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis in immunocompromised patients (including HIV/AIDS)
- CMV disease prevention in high-risk transplant recipients
Common side effects
- Neutropenia
- Thrombocytopenia
- Anemia
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Headache
- Renal impairment
Key clinical trials
- Combination Chemotherapy With or Without Temsirolimus in Treating Patients With Intermediate Risk Rhabdomyosarcoma (PHASE3)
- Pre-Surgical Immunonutrition's Effect on Colorectal Surgery (NA)
- Manganese-enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy (NA)
- Association Between Lingual Retraction and Hemodynamic Changes in Patients Receiving Dental Treatment Under General Anesthesia
- Advanced Functional and Structural MRI Techniques for Neuropharmacological Imaging (NA)
- Optimising Adjuvant Chemotherapy Prescription in Young Patients With Hormone-dependent Breast Cancer Using Genomic Tests (PHASE3)
- LFP-based Parameter Prediction in DBS for Parkinson's Disease
- Rapid Breath-hold Quantitative Macromolecular Proton Fraction Imaging for Liver Fibrosis
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 |