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valganciclovir [Valcyte]

Hoffmann-La Roche · FDA-approved active Small molecule

valganciclovir [Valcyte] is a Nucleoside analog antiviral Small molecule drug developed by Hoffmann-La Roche. It is currently FDA-approved for Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis in immunocompromised patients (including HIV/AIDS), CMV disease prevention in high-risk transplant recipients. Also known as: Treatment for CMV.

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 namevalganciclovir [Valcyte]
Also known asTreatment for CMV
SponsorHoffmann-La Roche
Drug classNucleoside analog antiviral
TargetCytomegalovirus (CMV) DNA polymerase
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaInfectious Disease / Virology
PhaseFDA-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

Common side effects

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Frequently asked questions about valganciclovir [Valcyte]

What is valganciclovir [Valcyte]?

valganciclovir [Valcyte] is a Nucleoside analog antiviral drug developed by Hoffmann-La Roche, indicated for Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis in immunocompromised patients (including HIV/AIDS), CMV disease prevention in high-risk transplant recipients.

How does valganciclovir [Valcyte] work?

Valganciclovir is a prodrug that is converted to ganciclovir, which inhibits viral DNA polymerase and prevents replication of cytomegalovirus (CMV).

What is valganciclovir [Valcyte] used for?

valganciclovir [Valcyte] is indicated for Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis in immunocompromised patients (including HIV/AIDS), CMV disease prevention in high-risk transplant recipients.

Who makes valganciclovir [Valcyte]?

valganciclovir [Valcyte] is developed and marketed by Hoffmann-La Roche (see full Hoffmann-La Roche pipeline at /company/roche).

Is valganciclovir [Valcyte] also known as anything else?

valganciclovir [Valcyte] is also known as Treatment for CMV.

What drug class is valganciclovir [Valcyte] in?

valganciclovir [Valcyte] belongs to the Nucleoside analog antiviral class. See all Nucleoside analog antiviral drugs at /class/nucleoside-analog-antiviral.

What development phase is valganciclovir [Valcyte] in?

valganciclovir [Valcyte] is FDA-approved (marketed).

What are the side effects of valganciclovir [Valcyte]?

Common side effects of valganciclovir [Valcyte] include Neutropenia, Thrombocytopenia, Anemia, Diarrhea, Nausea, Headache.

What does valganciclovir [Valcyte] target?

valganciclovir [Valcyte] targets Cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNA polymerase and is a Nucleoside analog antiviral.

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