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valganciclovir [Valcyte]
Valganciclovir is a prodrug that is converted to ganciclovir, which inhibits viral DNA polymerase and prevents replication of cytomegalovirus (CMV).
Valganciclovir is a prodrug that is converted to ganciclovir, which inhibits viral DNA polymerase and prevents replication of cytomegalovirus (CMV). Used for Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis in immunocompromised patients (including HIV/AIDS), CMV disease prevention in high-risk transplant recipients.
At a glance
| Generic name | valganciclovir [Valcyte] |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Treatment for CMV |
| Sponsor | Hoffmann-La Roche |
| 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 rapidly hydrolyzed in the intestine and liver to ganciclovir, its active form. Ganciclovir is phosphorylated by viral kinases (particularly CMV-encoded kinases) to form ganciclovir triphosphate, which inhibits CMV DNA polymerase and prevents viral DNA synthesis. This selective mechanism allows it to target CMV-infected cells while minimizing effects on uninfected host cells.
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
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- valganciclovir [Valcyte] CI brief — competitive landscape report
- valganciclovir [Valcyte] updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Hoffmann-La Roche portfolio CI