BW-759

Ganciclovir (INN) is an antiviral medication used to treat or prevent cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections. Ganciclovir is a synthetic analogue of 2′-deoxy-guanosine. It is first phosphorylated to ganciclovir monophosphate by a viral kinase encoded by the cytomegalovirus (CMV) gene UL97 during infection. Subsequently, cellular kinases catalyze the formation of ganciclovir diphosphate and ganciclovir triphosphate, which is present in 10-fold greater concentrations in CMV or herpes simplex virus (HSV)-infected cells than uninfected cells. A prodrug form with improved oral bioavailability (valganciclovir) has also been developed.