Cidofovir

Cidofovir is an injectable antiviral medication for the treatment of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis in patients with AIDS. It suppresses CMV replication by selective inhibition of viral DNA polymerase and therefore prevention of viral replication and transcription. It is an acyclic nucleoside phosphonate, and is therefore independent of phosphorylation by viral enzymes, in contrast to, for instance, acyclovir.

Administration
Maintenance therapy with cidofovir involves an infusion only once every two weeks, making it a convenient treatment option. Because dosing is relatively infrequent, a permanent catheter is not necessary for infusions.

Side effects
The major side effect of cidofovir is that it can be nephrotoxic. Probenecid (a uricosuric drug) is usually prescribed to prevent this nephrotoxicity.

DNA virus
Cidofovir demonstrated a statistically significant effect in delaying the progression of CMV retinitis lesions in newly diagnosed patients, as well as in previously treated patients who had failed other therapies.

Cidofovir has also shown efficacy in the treatment of acyclovir resistant herpes

Cidofovir has also been investigated as a treatment for progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, but studies are inconclusive.

Cidofovir might have anti-smallpox efficacy and might be used on a limited basis in the event of a bioterror incident involving smallpox cases.In fact, it is a extremely high chance for Cidofovir to work against smallpox.

Cidofovir shows anti-BK virus activity in a subgroup of transplant patients.

Cidofovir is being investigated as a complementary intralesional therapy against papillomatosis caused by HPV.

Other
It has been suggested as an antitumor agent, due to its suppression of FGF2.

History
Cidofovir was discovered at the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Prague, by Antonín Holý, and developed by Gilead Sciences and is marketed with the brand name Vistide by Gilead in the USA, and by Pfizer elsewhere.