ZIRGAN Targets HSV-Infected Cells,
Not Healthy Corneal Cells
ZIRGAN contains the active ingredient ganciclovir, which is a guanosine derivative that, upon phosphorylation, inhibits DNA replication by herpes simplex viruses (HSV).1
Ganciclovir is transformed by viral and cellular thymidine kinases to ganciclovir triphosphate, which works as an antiviral agent by inhibiting the synthesis of viral DNA in 2 ways1:
- Competitive inhibition of viral DNA polymerase
- Direct incorporation into viral primer strand DNA, resulting in DNA chain termination and prevention of replication
In uninfected cells, cellular thymidine kinase is unable to substantially phosphorylate the ganciclovir prodrug, and cellular DNA polymerase is less sensitive to ganciclovir inhibition. This contributes to the relative lack of ganciclovir cytotoxicity in healthy cells.2
See ZIRGAN in action
Watch the MOA video
Formulation
Gel formulation allows for increased exposure of
ZIRGAN at the site of action on the ocular surface.3
Please see Important Safety Information below.
Accessing ZIRGAN
See if your eligible patients are covered with Bausch + Lomb’s formulary tool.
Check our formulary toolIndication
ZIRGAN® (ganciclovir ophthalmic gel) 0.15% is a topical ophthalmic antiviral that is indicated for the treatment of acute herpetic keratitis (dendritic ulcers).
Important Safety Information
- ZIRGAN® is indicated for topical ophthalmic use only.
- Patients should not wear contact lenses if they have signs or symptoms of herpetic keratitis or during the course of therapy with ZIRGAN®.
- Most common adverse reactions reported in patients were blurred vision (60%), eye irritation (20%), punctate keratitis (5%), and conjunctival hyperemia (5%).
- Safety and efficacy in pediatric patients below the age of 2 years have not been established.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.1-800-FDA-1088.
Click here for full Prescribing Information for ZIRGAN®.
ZIRGAN® is a trademark of Laboratoires Théa Corporation used under license.
References: 1. ZIRGAN [package insert]. Bridgewater, NJ: Bausch & Lomb Incorporated. 2. St. Clair MH, Lambe CU, Furman PA. Inhibition by ganciclovir of cell growth and DNA synthesis of cells biochemically transformed with herpesvirus genetic information. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 1987;31(6):844-849. 3. Chou TY, Hong BY. Ganciclovir ophthalmic gel 0.15% for the treatment of acute herpetic keratitis: background, effectiveness, tolerability, safety, and future applications. Ther Clin Risk Manag. 2014;10:665-681.
Indication
ZIRGAN® (ganciclovir ophthalmic gel) 0.15% is a topical ophthalmic antiviral that is indicated for the treatment of acute herpetic keratitis (dendritic ulcers).
Important Safety Information
- ZIRGAN® is indicated for topical ophthalmic use only.
- Patients should not wear contact lenses if they have signs or symptoms of herpetic keratitis or during the course of therapy with ZIRGAN®.
- Most common adverse reactions reported in patients were blurred vision (60%), eye irritation (20%), punctate keratitis (5%), and conjunctival hyperemia (5%).
- Safety and efficacy in pediatric patients below the age of 2 years have not been established.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.1-800-FDA-1088.
Click here for full Prescribing Information for ZIRGAN®.
ZIRGAN® is a trademark of Laboratoires Théa Corporation used under license.
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