Cidofovir is an injectable antiviral medication primarily used as a the treatment for cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis (an infection of the retina of the eye) in people with AIDS. Its only indication that has received regulatory approval worldwide is cytomegalovirus retinitis. Cidofovir has also shown efficacy in the treatment of aciclovir-resistant HSV infections. Cidofovir has also been investigated as a treatment for progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy with successful case reports of its use. Despite this meta-analyses have failed to demonstrate any efficacy in people with AIDS, and the limited data in non-AIDS-affected individuals fails to demonstrate any efficacy either. Cidofovir might have anti-smallpox efficacy and might be used on a limited basis in the event of a bioterror incident involving smallpox cases. A cidofovir derivative with much higher activity against smallpox that can be taken orally has been developed.
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