VIRGAN ® Ganciclovir

VIRGAN ® is a drug based on Ganciclovir

THERAPEUTIC GROUP: Antivirals for ophthalmological use

IndicationsAction mechanismStudies and clinical effectiveness Usage and dosage instructionsWarnings Pregnancy and lactationInteractionsContraindicationsUndesirable effects

Indications VIRGAN ® Ganciclovir

Virgan is an eye drops solution containing an antiviral agent called ganciclovir. It is indicated in the treatment of some superficial (corneal) and viral eye infections, such as acute superficial Herpes Simplex keratitis.

Mechanism of action VIRGAN ® Ganciclovir

VIRGAN ® is an antiviral medicinal product based on Ganciclovir, an analogue of deoxyguanosine triphosphate and therefore a competitive inhibitor of viral DNA polymerase.

Its therapeutic activity, particularly effective both against Herpes Virus and against Cytomegalovirus, is linked to the ability, following different phosphorylation processes supported first by viral thymidine kinases and then by cellular ones, to intercalate with the DNA chain and block the activity of the viral DNA polymerase enzyme, responsible for the replication of the viral genome, hence the proliferation of the microorganism.

Topical application of this drug has proved particularly useful in the treatment of cutaneous manifestations of viral HSV infections, actively penetrating the plasma membranes of host cells and thus carrying out its therapeutic action.

Thanks to the very low systemic absorption of the active ingredient used topically, the great therapeutic efficacy of Ganciclovir is also accompanied by good safety for the patient.

Studies carried out and clinical efficacy

EFFECTIVENESS AND SAFETY OF THE GANCICLOVIR IN THE TREATMENT OF HSV KERATITES

Curr Eye Res. 2012 Jul; 37 (7): 654-60.

An interesting trial that demonstrates how the ophthalmic Ganciclovir has an efficacy similar to that of the aciclovir in the treatment of HSV keratitis, but is more easily tolerated.

THE GANCICLOVIR IN THE TREATMENT OF ACUTE ERPETIC KERATITIS

Drugs. 2011 Mar 26; 71 (5): 603-10.

Phase III clinical trial that demonstrates how Ganciclovir can be effective in the treatment of acute herpetic keratitis, resulting very well tolerated and significantly reducing visual disturbances following therapy.

RESISTANCE TO GANCICLOVIR

Am J Transplant. 2013 Feb; 13 (2): 458-66. doi: 10.1111 / ajt.12042. Epub 2013 Jan 2.

Yet another study that demonstrates how antiviral treatment, including Ganciclovir, especially when prolonged over time, can determine the onset of resistance mechanisms that reduce the therapeutic efficacy of drug treatment, aggravating the clinical picture.

Method of use and dosage

VIRGAN ®

Ophthalmic gel containing 1.5 mg of Ganciclovir per 1 gr of product.

The therapeutic scheme related to the use of VIRGAN ® for the treatment of ophthalmologic keratitis supported by Herpes Simplex Virus should be established by the specialist doctor based on the patient's pathophysiological characteristics and the severity of his clinical picture.

In order for the drug to perform its therapeutic action as best as possible, it would be useful to instill the product directly into the inferior conjunctival sac of the affected eye.

Warnings VIRGAN ® Ganciclovir

The use of VIRGAN ® must necessarily be preceded by a careful medical examination designed to test the prescriptive appropriateness of the drug.

The presence of benzalkonium chloride in VIRGAN ® could cause the onset of eye irritations, fortunately limited to the period of exposure to the active ingredient.

It is recommended to avoid the use of contact lenses during VIRGAN ® therapy.

PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING

The absence of clinical trials able to better characterize the safety profile of Ganciclovir for fetal health and the presence of experimental studies that demonstrate the onset of deleterious effects for the health of the unborn child, extend the contraindications to the use of VIRGAN ® also during pregnancy and in the subsequent period of breastfeeding.

Interactions

No clinically relevant drug interactions are currently known.

Contraindications VIRGAN ® Ganciclovir

VIRGAN ® is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to the active ingredient, to structurally related molecules and to one of its excipients.

Undesirable effects - Side effects

The side effects related to the use of VIRGAN ® are generally local and transient, characterized by burning and eye dryness, which fortunately regress once therapy is suspended.