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  • Title: New developments in the delivery of ganciclovir for cytomegalovirus (CMV retinitis).
    Author: Woodward J.
    Journal: STEP Perspect; 1995; 7(2):2-4. PubMed ID: 11362720.
    Abstract:
    As a result of improved treatments for AIDS, patients are living longer with more pronounced immunosuppression. A rise in the incidence of infections caused by cytomegalovirus (CMV) has since been observed. The most common CMV infection is CMV retinitis, which causes loss of visual acuity. Current treatments for CMV infections are ganciclovir and foscarnet, which can slow the progression of the disease, but not reverse damage already done. The drugs are difficult to administer and may have serious side effects. To eliminate some of the systemic side effects, research is being done on delivering the drug directly into the eye (by intravitreous injections or use of implantable pellets). Of these two methods, use of implantable pellets seems to have more advantages. The primary advantage of the implantable pellets is delaying progression of the disease longer than intravenous ganciclovir. Oral ganciclovir has now been approved, and although it is not as effective as the intravenous drug and has similar side effects, it is easier to dispense. Stress is being placed on using the drug orally as CMV infection prophylaxis. Other issues with ganciclovir include its interaction with ddI, development of viral resistance, and cost.
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