TheraRadar
Data updated: May 26, 2026

FAMCICLOVIR

DNA Polymerase Inhibitors
Infectious Disease Approved 2007-08-24

FAMCICLOVIR is indicated for the treatment of Herpes Labialis; Genital Herpes; Herpes Zoster.

Source: FDA Label • MACLEODS PHARMS LTD • Herpes Simplex Virus Nucleoside Analog DNA Polymerase Inhibitor

How FAMCICLOVIR Works

Famciclovir is a prodrug that is rapidly converted to the active antiviral agent penciclovir. As a deoxynucleoside analog, it is phosphorylated within viral-infected cells to penciclovir triphosphate. This active form inhibits **viral** DNA polymerase by competing with deoxyguanosine triphosphate, thereby terminating viral DNA chain elongation and inhibiting replication.

Source: FDA Label
6
Indications
--
Phase 3 Trials
18
Years on Market

Details

Status
Prescription
First Approved
2007-08-24
Routes
ORAL
Dosage Forms
TABLET

FAMCICLOVIR Approval History

2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
Original
New Indication
New Form
Label Update
129 FDA actions from 2007 to 2023
Jun 2023 SUPPL
Label · Labeling
Sep 2021 SUPPL
Label · Labeling
Sep 2020 SUPPL
Label · Labeling

What FAMCICLOVIR Treats

3 indications

FAMCICLOVIR is approved for 3 conditions since its original approval in 2007. These indications span multiple therapeutic areas including oncology, immunology, and more.

  • Herpes Labialis
  • Genital Herpes
  • Herpes Zoster
Source: FDA Label

FAMCICLOVIR Competitive Set

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Three rings of competition based on shared molecular targets and treated indications.

Indication competitors

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Same indication, different mechanism — what else might this patient receive?

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Filters applied: drops same-active-ingredient (505(b)(2) reformulations), route-mismatch (topical vs systemic), and cross-therapeutic-area matches in same-indication rings.

Drugs Similar to FAMCICLOVIR

3 of 6

FDA-approved drugs for similar conditions. Compare mechanisms and indications to understand treatment alternatives.

ACYCLOVIR
ACYCLOVIR
2 shared
NOVITIUM PHARMA
Shared indications:
Herpes ZosterGenital Herpes
VALTREX
VALACYCLOVIR HYDROCHLORIDE
2 shared
GSK
Shared indications:
Genital HerpesHerpes Zoster
DENAVIR
PENCICLOVIR
1 shared
Viatris
Shared indications:
Herpes Labialis
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Clinical Trial Registry

5 trials
Trial Sponsor ID Phase Status Title
NCT07099157 M20250600 Ph 4 recruiting Efficacy and Safety of Brivudine in the Treatment of Herpes Zoster
NCT00878072 results posted CFAM810B2305 Ph 2, Ph 3 completed Safety and Pharmacokinetics of Famciclovir Single 1500 mg Dose in Adolescents With Recurrent Herpes Labialis
NCT01281007 results posted F125EMS1010 Ph 3 completed Efficacy of Oral Famciclovir 125mg Comparing to Aciclovir 200 mg Treatment in Patients With Active Recurrent Genital Herpes
NCT01526408 Famvir results posted HRI-003 Meniere's Disease Ph 3 terminated Famvir for Treatment of Hearing in Unilateral Meniere's Disease
NCT01327144 F500EMS1010 Ph 3 completed Efficacy of Oral Famciclovir Versus Aciclovir Treatment in Patients With Herpes Zoster
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Active Pipeline

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Ongoing clinical trials by development phase

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Key Completed Trials

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Completed studies with published results, ranked by significance

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Trial Timeline

Full development history with FDA approval milestones

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Understanding FDA Approval Types
Count Type What it means
- ORIG Original approval - drug first enters market
- SUPPL - Efficacy New indication (new disease/condition approved)
- SUPPL - Labeling Label text changes (warnings, dosing updates)
- SUPPL - Manufacturing Production changes (new facility)
- SUPPL - Chemistry Formulation changes (new dosage strength)

Green lines in the timeline show ORIG and Efficacy approvals - the clinically meaningful milestones.

FAMCICLOVIR FDA Label Details

Indications & Usage

FAMCICLOVIR is indicated for the treatment of Herpes Labialis; Genital Herpes; Herpes Zoster.

Looking for the branded version?

FAMVIR

Full clinical data, patents, trials, and competitive landscape for famciclovir.

See FAMVIR

Data Sources

Data sourced from official FDA and NIH databases. Click links to verify on original sources.