Valaciclovir
- Generic Name
- Valaciclovir
- Brand Names
- Valtrex
- Drug Type
- Small Molecule
- Chemical Formula
- C13H20N6O4
- CAS Number
- 124832-26-4
- Unique Ingredient Identifier
- MZ1IW7Q79D
- Background
Valaciclovir (valacyclovir), also known as Valtrex, is an antiviral drug that has been used to manage and treat various herpes infections for more than 2 decades. It was initially approved by the FDA in 1995 and marketed by GlaxoSmithKline . Valacyclovir is the L-valine ester of aciclovir. It is a member of the purine (guanine) nucleoside analog drug class ...
- Indication
Valacyclovir is a nucleoside analog DNA polymerase inhibitor indicated for :
Adults
• Cold Sores (Herpes Labialis)
• Genital Herpes
• Treatment of genital herpes lesions in immunocompetent patients (initial or recurrent episode)
• Suppression of genital herpes lesions in immunocompetent or HIV-infected patients
• Reduction of viral transmission
...
- Associated Conditions
- Chickenpox, Genital Herpes, Genital herpes, initial episode, Herpes Labialis, Herpes Zoster, Recurrent Genital Herpes (RGH)
- Associated Therapies
- Suppression of Recurrent Genital Herpes (RGH)
American Academy of Ophthalmology, Oct. 18-21
The American Academy of Ophthalmology's annual meeting in Chicago featured presentations on 3D-printed glasses for pediatric patients with intracranial abnormalities, increased cataract surgery risks from prior intravitreal injections, and ANX007's protection against vision loss in geographic atrophy patients.
Long-Term Low-Dose Antiviral Therapy Reduces Risk of Eye Disease from Shingles, Study Finds
Long-term, low-dose antiviral treatment significantly reduces risk of recurring eye disease caused by shingles, according to the Zoster Eye Disease Study (ZEDS). The study found a 26% lower risk of new or worsening eye disease over 18 months with valacyclovir treatment compared to placebo. The research also highlights the importance of vaccination, particularly Shingrix, for prevention.
Shingles breakthrough: Common herpes drug may prevent disease from causing eye damage
A year-long course of valacyclovir significantly reduces risk of eye damage and chronic pain in shingles patients, according to a study presented at the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s annual meeting. The Zoster Eye Disease Study (ZEDS) found a 26% reduction in new or worsening eye disease and a decrease in multiple disease flare-ups by 30% at 12 months and 28% at 18 months. The treatment also reduced chronic nerve pain, offering hope for clearer vision and less pain.
After shingles damaged her vision, this former eye surgeon looked for a way to keep it from ...
Elisabeth Cohen, a former cornea specialist, experienced shingles in 2008, leading to vision loss in her right eye. She initiated the ZEDS trial, a $15 million study across 95 centers, which found that low-dose valacyclovir reduced the risk of new or worsening eye disease by 26% after a year. Cohen's work highlights the need for better awareness and use of the shingles vaccine, which can significantly lower the risk of dementia.
Virios Therapeutics, Inc. and Wex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Virios Therapeutics and Wex Pharmaceuticals merge to form Dogwood Therapeutics, focusing on Halneuron® (Phase 2b for CINP), IMC-1 (Phase 3 for FM), and IMC-2 (Phase 2 for Long-COVID). The merger includes $19.5M in debt financing, a 25-for-1 reverse stock split, and contingent value rights for IMC-1 and IMC-2 milestones.
Study: Shingles Reactivation Could Occur in Rare Cases Following RZV
A study compared the recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) with the zoster vaccine live (ZVL) for efficacy and safety, finding RZV more effective with 90% efficacy against shingles. Despite rare adverse events like dermatomal reactions, RZV remains the preferred vaccine for varicella zoster virus (VZV) prevention, necessitating further monitoring and studies on its immunomodulatory effects.
Biodefense Headlines – 20 September 2024
Strategies for improving Ebola virus disease post-exposure prophylaxis, origin of SARS-CoV-2 linked to Wuhan market, 'scoop and run' best for nerve agent mass casualty events, T cell memory from seasonal flu may offer pre-existing immunity to H5N1.
Drug Development Updates
Stay informed with timely notifications on clinical trials, regulatory changes, and research advancements related to this medication.
© Copyright 2024. All Rights Reserved by MedPath