Fomivirsen is an antiviral medication used to treat cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis, an infection of the retina of the eye caused by the CMV virus. Fomivirsen is given as an injection directly into the eye. It works by blocking the activity of the virus, which can help reduce inflammation and prevent further damage to the retina.
Fomivirsen, sold under the brand name Vitravene, was an antiviral medication that belonged to a class of drugs called antisense oligonucleotides. It was specifically designed to target cytomegalovirus retinitis (CMV retinitis), a viral infection of the retina that can cause vision loss in individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with AIDS .
Fomivirsen worked by binding to a specific sequence of messenger RNA (mRNA) produced by the cytomegalovirus. This binding process prevented the virus from making the proteins it needed to replicate, effectively stopping the spread of the infection within the eye.
The medication was delivered directly into the vitreous humor of the eye through an intravitreal injection. This method of administration allowed for high concentrations of the drug to reach the infected tissues while minimizing systemic exposure and potential side effects.
However, Fomivirsen is no longer commercially available. The marketing authorization for the drug was withdrawn in the European Union in 2002 and in the United States in 2006. There are several reasons for this, including the development of newer and more effective treatments for CMV retinitis, as well as challenges associated with the production and manufacturing of fomivirsen.