Cidofovir is an antiviral agent used to treat Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis in patients with AIDS. It suppresses CMV replication through selective inhibition of viral DNA synthesis.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed
Cidofovir acts through the selective inhibition of viral DNA polymerase.Biochemical data support selective inhibition of CMV DNA polymerase by cidofovir diphosphate, the active intracellular metabolite of cidofovir. Cidofovir diphosphate inhibits herpesvirus polymerases at concentrations that are 8- to 600-fold lower than those needed to inhibit human cellular DNA polymerase alpha, beta, and gamma(1,2,3). Incorporation of cidofovir into the growing viral DNA chain results in reductions in the rate of viral DNA synthesis.
- Primary indication
- For the treatment of CMV retinitis in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)Curator reviewed · 4 structured indications
- Formula / weight
- C8H14N3O6P · 279.187 g/mol (avg)
- First approval
- Canada, 2018 · United States, 1996
- Code names
- GS 0504 · GS 504 · HPMPC
- Brand names
Resolves to
VWFCHDSQECPREK-LURJTMIESA-NSMILESNC1=NC(=O)N(C[C@@H](CO)OCP(O)(O)=O)C=C1What you can answer from here — as of September 23, 2026
Which drugs share a target with Cidofovir, and which of those have an active Phase 3 trial?
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