Fomivirsen sodium

Fomivirsen Sodium is an antisense oligonucleotide used in the treatment of cytomegalovirus retinitis (CMV retinitis), a disease often seen in patients with AIDS. It is marketed under the trade name Vitravene.

History

Fomivirsen Sodium was the first antisense drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States. It was approved in 1998 for the treatment of CMV retinitis in patients with AIDS who are intolerant of or have a contraindication to other treatment(s) for CMV retinitis or who were insufficiently responsive to previous treatment(s) for CMV retinitis.

Mechanism of Action

Fomivirsen Sodium works by binding to the mRNA of the CMV immediate-early 2 (IE2) protein, inhibiting its translation and thereby reducing the viral load in the eye. This mechanism of action is unique among antiviral drugs, which typically target viral proteins rather than the genetic material of the virus.

Administration

Fomivirsen Sodium is administered by intravitreal injection, a procedure in which the drug is injected directly into the vitreous humor of the eye. This method of administration allows for a high concentration of the drug to be delivered directly to the site of infection.

Side Effects

Common side effects of Fomivirsen Sodium include eye inflammation, increased intraocular pressure, and blurred vision. Less common side effects include retinal detachment, vitreous hemorrhage, and cataract.

See Also

• Antisense therapy
• Cytomegalovirus retinitis
• AIDS

References

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