TheraRadar
Data updated: May 26, 2026

GANCICLOVIR SODIUM

Infectious Disease Approved 2003-07-16

Ganciclovir sodium is an antiviral medication used to manage cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections in specific high-risk populations. It treats CMV retinitis in adults with weakened immune systems, such as those living with AIDS. Additionally, it helps patients who have received organ transplants by preventing CMV disease from developing.

Source: FDA Label • PH HEALTH

How GANCICLOVIR SODIUM Works

This drug works by inhibiting CMV DNA polymerase, which is an enzyme the virus needs to replicate its DNA. As a deoxynucleoside analogue, it provides targeted antiviral activity that stops the virus from spreading within the patient's body.

Source: FDA Label
8
Indications
--
Phase 3 Trials
22
Years on Market

Details

Status
Prescription
First Approved
2003-07-16
Routes
INJECTION
Dosage Forms
INJECTABLE

GANCICLOVIR SODIUM Approval History

2004
2005
2006
2007
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
19 FDA actions from 2003 to 2025
May 2025 SUPPL
Label · Labeling
Mar 2025 SUPPL
Label · Labeling
Feb 2024 SUPPL
Label · Labeling

What GANCICLOVIR SODIUM Treats

2 indications

GANCICLOVIR SODIUM is approved for 2 conditions since its original approval in 2003. These indications span multiple therapeutic areas including oncology, immunology, and more.

  • Cytomegalovirus Retinitis
  • Cytomegalovirus Disease
Source: FDA Label

GANCICLOVIR SODIUM Boxed Warning

HEMATOLOGIC TOXICITY, IMPAIRMENT OF FERTILITY, FETAL TOXICITY, MUTAGENESIS AND CARCINOGENESIS Hematologic Toxicity: Granulocytopenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia, and pancytopenia have been reported in patients treated with ganciclovir [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Impairment of Fertility: Based on animal data and limited human data, Ganciclovir for Injection, USP may cause temporary or permanent inhibition of spermatogenesis in males and suppression of fertility in females [see Warnings ...

GANCICLOVIR SODIUM Competitive Set

Pro

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

Unlock 4 more competitors across all three rings.
Upgrade to Pro

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 GANCICLOVIR SODIUM

3 of 6

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

VALCYTE
VALGANCICLOVIR HYDROCHLORIDE
2 shared
CHEPLAPHARM
Shared indications:
Cytomegalovirus RetinitisCytomegalovirus Disease
CIDOFOVIR
CIDOFOVIR
1 shared
Viatris
Shared indications:
Cytomegalovirus Retinitis
FOSCARNET SODIUM
FOSCARNET SODIUM
1 shared
Fresenius Kabi
Shared indications:
Cytomegalovirus Retinitis
📋

Clinical Trial Registry

1 trials
Trial Sponsor ID Phase Status Title
NCT03586284 STACCATO results posted 18-24396 Ph 2, Ph 3 terminated Systemic and Topical Antivirals for Control of Cytomegalovirus Anterior Uveitis: Treatment Outcomes
🔬

Active Pipeline

Pro

Ongoing clinical trials by development phase

Loading...

Key Completed Trials

Pro

Completed studies with published results, ranked by significance

Loading...
📊

Trial Timeline

Full development history with FDA approval milestones

|
Loading...
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.

GANCICLOVIR SODIUM FDA Label Details

Indications & Usage

GANCICLOVIR SODIUM is indicated for the treatment of Cytomegalovirus Retinitis; Cytomegalovirus Disease.

⚠️ BOXED WARNING

WARNING: HEMATOLOGIC TOXICITY, IMPAIRMENT OF FERTILITY, FETAL TOXICITY, MUTAGENESIS AND CARCINOGENESIS Hematologic Toxicity: Granulocytopenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia, and pancytopenia have been reported in patients treated with ganciclovir [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Impairment of Fert...

Track GANCICLOVIR SODIUM with TheraRadar Pro

Watchlist alerts, full database access, CSV exports across 14,000+ drugs.

Upgrade to Pro

Data Sources

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