fomivirsen

Fomivirsen is an antisense antiviral drug that was used for the treatment of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis in immunocompromised patients, particularly those with AIDS[1][2][3][7]. It is a synthetic 21-base phosphorothioate oligonucleotide designed to bind specifically to the messenger RNA (mRNA) of the major immediate-early region 2 (IE2) gene of human cytomegalovirus[2][3][5][6]. By binding to this mRNA, fomivirsen inhibits translation and synthesis of essential viral regulatory proteins, thereby blocking viral replication through an antisense mechanism[2][3][6]. Fomivirsen was administered via intravitreal injection. It was discovered at the National Institutes of Health and developed by Isis Pharmaceuticals, later licensed to Novartis for commercialization[7]. Fomivirsen was notable as the first FDA-approved antisense drug but has since been withdrawn from markets due to reduced clinical need following advances in HIV therapy that decreased CMV incidence[7].

Brand names

Vitravene

Other names

fomivirsen sodium