Zirgan

Cytomegalovirus Retinitis, Keratitis, Herpetic, CMV colitis + 9 more

Treatment

20 Active Studies for Zirgan

What is Zirgan

Ganciclovir

The Generic name of this drug

Treatment Summary

Ganciclovir is a medication used to treat infections caused by the Herpesvirus family, especially cytomegalovirus, which can be a complication of AIDS. Ganciclovir is an analog of acyclovir and is very effective in treating these virus infections.

Vitrasert

is the brand name

image of different drug pills on a surface

Zirgan Overview & Background

Brand Name

Generic Name

First FDA Approval

How many FDA approvals?

Vitrasert

Ganciclovir

1996

11

Effectiveness

How Zirgan Affects Patients

Ganciclovir is a drug used to fight various types of herpes viruses, including CMV, HSV-1 and HSV-2, EBV, and VZV. It works by blocking the DNA replication of the virus and preventing it from spreading to other cells. Ganciclovir is a synthetic version of a natural nucleoside (2'-deoxyguanosine) and is similar in structure to acyclovir.

How Zirgan works in the body

Ganciclovir works by disrupting the replication of the herpes virus. It is converted into an active form by an enzyme found in the virus. This form then blocks the virus’s DNA from growing and replicating. It takes the place of adenosine bases in the DNA strand, preventing it from forming new strands. Ganciclovir is more effective at blocking the virus than the body’s own DNA polymerase, and once it is removed, the virus’s DNA can begin to replicate again.

When to interrupt dosage

The endorsed amount of Zirgan is contingent upon the diagnosed condition, including Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Cytomegalovirus Retinitis and Immunocompromised. The measure of dosage differs as per the technique of delivery (e.g. Intravenous or Gel) featured in the table beneath.

Condition

Dosage

Administration

varicella-zoster virus acute retinal necrosis

250.0 mg, , 500.0 mg, 4.5 mg, 0.0015 mg/mg, 2.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL

, Oral, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Implant, Implant - Intravitreal, Intravitreal, Ophthalmic, Gel, Gel - Ophthalmic, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intraventricular, Intraventricular

Cytomegalovirus gastroesophagitis

250.0 mg, , 500.0 mg, 4.5 mg, 0.0015 mg/mg, 2.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL

, Oral, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Implant, Implant - Intravitreal, Intravitreal, Ophthalmic, Gel, Gel - Ophthalmic, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intraventricular, Intraventricular

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

250.0 mg, , 500.0 mg, 4.5 mg, 0.0015 mg/mg, 2.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL

, Oral, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Implant, Implant - Intravitreal, Intravitreal, Ophthalmic, Gel, Gel - Ophthalmic, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intraventricular, Intraventricular

HIV

250.0 mg, , 500.0 mg, 4.5 mg, 0.0015 mg/mg, 2.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL

, Oral, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Implant, Implant - Intravitreal, Intravitreal, Ophthalmic, Gel, Gel - Ophthalmic, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intraventricular, Intraventricular

Cytomegalovirus Infections

250.0 mg, , 500.0 mg, 4.5 mg, 0.0015 mg/mg, 2.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL

, Oral, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Implant, Implant - Intravitreal, Intravitreal, Ophthalmic, Gel, Gel - Ophthalmic, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intraventricular, Intraventricular

Keratitis, Herpetic

250.0 mg, , 500.0 mg, 4.5 mg, 0.0015 mg/mg, 2.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL

, Oral, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Implant, Implant - Intravitreal, Intravitreal, Ophthalmic, Gel, Gel - Ophthalmic, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intraventricular, Intraventricular

Herpes zoster disease

250.0 mg, , 500.0 mg, 4.5 mg, 0.0015 mg/mg, 2.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL

, Oral, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Implant, Implant - Intravitreal, Intravitreal, Ophthalmic, Gel, Gel - Ophthalmic, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intraventricular, Intraventricular

CMV colitis

250.0 mg, , 500.0 mg, 4.5 mg, 0.0015 mg/mg, 2.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL

, Oral, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Implant, Implant - Intravitreal, Intravitreal, Ophthalmic, Gel, Gel - Ophthalmic, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intraventricular, Intraventricular

Immunocompromised

250.0 mg, , 500.0 mg, 4.5 mg, 0.0015 mg/mg, 2.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL

, Oral, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Implant, Implant - Intravitreal, Intravitreal, Ophthalmic, Gel, Gel - Ophthalmic, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intraventricular, Intraventricular

Cytomegalovirus Retinitis

250.0 mg, , 500.0 mg, 4.5 mg, 0.0015 mg/mg, 2.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL

, Oral, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Implant, Implant - Intravitreal, Intravitreal, Ophthalmic, Gel, Gel - Ophthalmic, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intraventricular, Intraventricular

Cytomegalovirus Infections

250.0 mg, , 500.0 mg, 4.5 mg, 0.0015 mg/mg, 2.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL

, Oral, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Implant, Implant - Intravitreal, Intravitreal, Ophthalmic, Gel, Gel - Ophthalmic, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intraventricular, Intraventricular

Cytomegalovirus

250.0 mg, , 500.0 mg, 4.5 mg, 0.0015 mg/mg, 2.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL

, Oral, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Implant, Implant - Intravitreal, Intravitreal, Ophthalmic, Gel, Gel - Ophthalmic, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intraventricular, Intraventricular

Warnings

There are 20 known major drug interactions with Zirgan.

Common Zirgan Drug Interactions

Drug Name

Risk Level

Description

Abemaciclib

Major

The excretion of Abemaciclib can be decreased when combined with Ganciclovir.

Procainamide

Major

The excretion of Procainamide can be decreased when combined with Ganciclovir.

Topotecan

Major

The excretion of Topotecan can be decreased when combined with Ganciclovir.

Aclidinium

Minor

Ganciclovir may decrease the excretion rate of Aclidinium which could result in a higher serum level.

Acrivastine

Minor

Ganciclovir may decrease the excretion rate of Acrivastine which could result in a higher serum level.

Zirgan Toxicity & Overdose Risk

The lethal dose of methotrexate in mice is greater than 2g/kg when taken orally, and greater than 150mg/kg when given intravenously in dogs. Overdosing on methotrexate can lead to decreased production of blood cells, worsening gastrointestinal symptoms, and kidney failure. It is also thought to be a carcinogen.

image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

Zirgan Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Zirgan?

142 ongoing studies are assessing the potential of Zirgan to combat Cytomegalovirus Retinitis, Cytomegalovirus Infections and Cytomegalovirus Gastroesophagitis.

Condition

Clinical Trials

Trial Phases

CMV colitis

0 Actively Recruiting

Herpes zoster disease

0 Actively Recruiting

HIV

150 Actively Recruiting

Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 3, Phase 4, Early Phase 1

Cytomegalovirus Retinitis

0 Actively Recruiting

varicella-zoster virus acute retinal necrosis

0 Actively Recruiting

Cytomegalovirus Infections

0 Actively Recruiting

Keratitis, Herpetic

0 Actively Recruiting

Cytomegalovirus

0 Actively Recruiting

Cytomegalovirus gastroesophagitis

0 Actively Recruiting

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

5 Actively Recruiting

Phase 1, Phase 2, Not Applicable

Immunocompromised

2 Actively Recruiting

Phase 1, Not Applicable

Cytomegalovirus Infections

2 Actively Recruiting

Phase 2

Zirgan Reviews: What are patients saying about Zirgan?

5

Patient Review

8/25/2013

Zirgan for Infection of the Cornea of the Eye with Ulcer Formation

Viroptic has been my go-to in the past, but this time my doctor gave me something different. I hated it. It did eventually work, but it was a slow process and painful the whole time. Even now, months later, if my eye is under stress I feel pain in that same spot. Not worth it.

5

Patient Review

4/19/2012

Zirgan for Infection of the Cornea of the Eye with Ulcer Formation

My son was prescribed this for an infection of the eye, and it worked well. We're dealing with a recurrence now, and I'm hoping it will be just as effective the second time around.

5

Patient Review

10/15/2010

Zirgan for Infection of the Cornea of the Eye with Ulcer Formation

This drug has been a life-saver for me. I have a recurrent eye infection/virus that Viroptic, the standard treatment, is highly ineffective against and actually makes my condition worse. Zirgan/Virgan is much less toxic and finally available in the US after 10 years of use in Europe.

4.7

Patient Review

6/8/2010

Zirgan for Infection of the Cornea of the Eye with Ulcer Formation

4

Patient Review

10/10/2017

Zirgan for Infection of the Cornea of the Eye with Ulcer Formation

Zirgan was prescribed to me for my shingles outbreaks. It worked very well and within a week the pain was gone. The only issue I have now is that my vision is still blurry.

3.7

Patient Review

9/20/2017

Zirgan for Infection of the Cornea of the Eye with Ulcer Formation

I started taking this medication today for my eye and so far it's been pretty painful. I'm wondering how long it will be before I start seeing results.

2.7

Patient Review

6/20/2013

Zirgan for Infection of the Cornea of the Eye with Ulcer Formation

Zirgan has been a life saver. I have herpes simplex in my eye which caused redness and lesions around the lower lid. My doctor recently prescribed me Zirgan, and after five applications per day, my redness had disappeared and my vision was back on track. I'm extremely grateful to the doctors and FDA for issuing this drug so that I can see clearly through my right eye again.
image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

Patient Q&A Section about zirgan

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

What is Zirgan used for?

"Zirgan is a gel that contains the antiviral medication ganciclovir. It is used to treat herpes infections of the eye."

Answered by AI

How quickly does Zirgan work?

"Most people who take Zirgan for a herpes infection of the eye will see the ulcers heal within seven days. Be sure to keep any follow-up appointments to ensure that the infection is going away properly."

Answered by AI

How do I apply Zirgan gel to my eye?

"To avoid contaminating your medication, do not touch the tip of the container to any surface, including your eye. The pump head of the container is sterile. Instill your medication into the space between your lower eyelid and eyeball by depressing the plunger that is part of the pump head. Look up and away from the container as you depress the plunger. Do not allow the tip of the container to come into contact with your eye or any other surface. Wipe off any excess medication from your eyelids or lower eyelid with a clean tissue.

To use Zirgan Gel, wash your hands and apply the medication to the affected eye as directed by your doctor. Apply the medication 5 times a day until the eye has healed, and then 3 times a day for 7 more days."

Answered by AI

Is Zirgan still available?

"There is no version of the medication Zirgan that is therapeutically equivalent in the United States as of August 10, 2022. It is possible that there may be fraudulent online pharmacies that attempt to sell an illegal generic version of Zirgan, which may be counterfeit and potentially unsafe."

Answered by AI

Clinical Trials for Zirgan

Image of Alabama CRS (Site ID: 31788) in Birmingham, United States.

Antibodies for HIV

18 - 55
All Sexes
Birmingham, AL

This study is testing a lab-made antibody called ePGT121v1-LS that targets a specific part of HIV. Researchers will give it by vein (IV) and under the skin (SC), both on its own and together with two other antibodies, VRC07-523LS and PGDM1400LS, which target different parts of the virus. They will assess safety and side effects, determine the right dose, study how the body processes the drug (pharmacokinetics or PK), and measure how well it neutralizes HIV in the blood (serum neutralizing activity). The expectation is that ePGT121v1-LS, whether given alone or with PGDM1400LS and VRC07-523LS, by IV or SC, will be safe in generally healthy adults and that the antibodies will not interfere with each other when used together. Approximately 83 volunteers in overall good health and without HIV-1 will be enrolled into two parts (A and B). Part A has six groups. In Groups 1-3, participants will get ePGT121v1-LS given by IV at one of three dose levels: 5 mg/kg, 20 mg/kg, or 40 mg/kg. In Groups 4-6, participants will receive three antibodies-first ePGT121v1-LS, then PGDM1400LS and VRC07-523LS-given by IV at two separate visits that are 24 weeks apart. The total study duration for participants in Part A is 48 weeks of scheduled clinic visits. Part B has two groups. In Group 7, people will get ePGT121v1-LS as SC shots at two visits 12 weeks apart. Each visit will give a total of 375 mg, split into three injections of 125 mg each. In Group 8, people will also have two visits 12 weeks apart and will receive three antibodies as SC shots in this order: first ePGT121v1-LS (125 mg), then PGDM1400LS (100 mg), and then VRC07-523LS (100 mg). The total study duration for participants in Part B is 24 weeks of scheduled clinic visits.

Phase 1
Waitlist Available

Alabama CRS (Site ID: 31788) (+5 Sites)

Image of New Jersey Community Research Initiative in Newark, United States.

AI-DBT for Suicide Prevention in HIV/AIDS

18+
All Sexes
Newark, NJ

One in four older persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) report at least one suicide attempt in their lifetime, and the risk for death by suicide is 100 times higher in PLWHA than in the general population. Currently, there are no behavioral interventions that specifically address suicide prevention for older PLWHA, despite their unique biopsychosocial and structural risk factors. Through this work, investigators will adapt Dialectical Behavior Therapy, an evidence-based intervention for suicide prevention, for patients with PLWHA to be delivered by an AI-powered conversational Agent developed by our industry partner, Empower Health. Investigators will then pilot test the feasibility, usability, acceptability and preliminary efficacy to improve self-efficacy to manage negative emotions in n=50 older adults living with HIV/AIDS.

Recruiting
Has No Placebo

New Jersey Community Research Initiative (+1 Sites)

Elissa Kozlov, PhD

Image of George Washington University Emergency Department in Washington D.C., United States.

Decision Support Tool for HIV Prevention

18+
All Sexes
Washington D.C., United States

This project will explore the development of a personalized decision support tool to assist with pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) initiation and persistence among patients identified in the emergency department (ED) and urgent care settings as PrEP eligible. First, the investigators will use a sequence of validated implementation science methodologies to develop and validate a decision support tool designed to optimize PrEP persistence by strengthening self-efficacy by addressing the multifaceted medical and social needs of the individual patient. The investigators will then test the preliminary effectiveness of this tool through a pilot stepped wedge implementation trial in two EDs and an urgent care in Baltimore, MD and Washington, DC among 120 PrEP eligible patients to determine PrEP initiation, linkage to care, persistence, and adherence rates.

Phase 1
Waitlist Available

George Washington University Emergency Department (+1 Sites)

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Image of University of Alabama at Birmingham in Birmingham, United States.

Olfactory Training for HIV

18+
All Sexes
Birmingham, AL

The goal of this study is to examine two types of olfactory interventions (olfactory training vs overnight odor diffuser) in adults with HIV. The two research questions are: 1. Determine if participants find the intervention acceptable and assess feasibility of the study. 2. Determine if the intervention improves olfactory function and cognitive function. Participants will come to our office and be administered the baseline battery of questions including olfactory and cognitive performance tests. Then they will be randomized and sent home with one of the two interventions (below) in which they will engage in it for 8 weeks, after which they come back to our office for the posttest battery of questions including olfactory and cognitive performance test. 1. Olfactory Training at Home -- 4 scents in which they will smell twice a day for 8 weeks. 2. Overnight Diffuser Group -- a single scent diffuser that participants will turn on while they sleep and use for 8 weeks.

Phase < 1
Waitlist Available

University of Alabama at Birmingham

Image of Los Angeles General Medical Center in Los Angeles, United States.

Decision Support Tool for HIV Treatment

18+
All Sexes
Los Angeles, CA

This study is testing software designed to help healthcare providers choose the best HIV treatment combinations for their patients. HIV medicines, known as antiretroviral therapy (ART), can be complex to manage because the right regimen depends on many factors-such as drug resistance, other health conditions, and medication schedules. Many people with HIV are cared for by general clinicians who may not have access to HIV specialists, which can make treatment decisions more challenging. In this study, healthcare providers will use patient cases to compare standard HIV treatment resources with a new clinical decision support tool that gives evidence-based ART recommendations at the point of care. The investigators hypothesize that using the tool will help providers select treatment plans that better match clinical guidelines, make decisions faster, reduce mental effort, and increase overall satisfaction with the prescribing process.

Waitlist Available
Has No Placebo

Los Angeles General Medical Center

Hayoun Lee, PhD

Image of University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, United States.

MGD020 + MGD014 for HIV

18 - 65
All Sexes
Chapel Hill, NC

This research study aims to find out how safe and well tolerated the experimental study drugs are when given to persons with HIV (PWH) taking antiretroviral therapy (ART). The study treatments are MGD014 and MGD020, which are two antibodies developed specifically for HIV, and Vorinostat, an oral medication to help expose HIV in cells to the antibodies. The study will measure the impact of study treatment on non-active HIV in cells, and how long MGD014 and MGD020 stay in the body after they are given. In this study, participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups. All participants receive MGD014 and MGD020, given sequentially as infusions through an IV for 4 doses. Participants in one group (group A) receive only MGD014 and MGD020. Participants in another group (group B) will stop taking their ART therapy for up to 8 weeks (a temporary treatment interruption (TTI)) while receiving MGD014 and MGD020. Participants in the third group (group C) receive Vorinostat in addition to MGD014 and MGD020. Total time of participation is about 8 months and involves 13 or 18 visits, depending on group assignment.

Phase 1
Recruiting

University of North Carolina

Cynthia L. Gay, MD

Have you considered Zirgan clinical trials?

We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Zirgan, we think they might fit your search criteria.
Go to Trials

Have you considered Zirgan clinical trials?

We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Zirgan, we think they might fit your search criteria.
Go to Trials