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Famvir reduces risk of complications common to ophthalmic zoster

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BASEL, Switzerland — In the largest clinical trial ever conducted involving the treatment of ophthalmic herpes zoster, Famvir (famciclovir, Novartis) reduced the risk of zoster-related eye complications, including those likely to lead to permanent blindness, according to a study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology. Herpes zoster is a common problem that increases in severity with age or lowered immunity; the disease affects approximately two to three people aged 20 to 50 and five people between the ages of 50 and 59 per 1,000 per year worldwide. Scientists estimate more than 10% of these cases are ophthalmic zoster.

In the randomized, double masked, controlled clinical trial comparing Famvir to Zovirax (acyclovir, GlaxoSmithKline), 454 patients from 87 centers worldwide were treated for 7 days with either famciclovir 500 mg three times daily or acyclovir 800 mg five times daily. All patients were enrolled in the study within 72 hours of developing lesions.

"When ophthalmic zoster is left untreated, 75% of patients are likely to experience complications that can lead to blindness," said Stephen Tyring, MD, University of Texas Medical Branch. "With famciclovir's higher level of bioavailability, it is administered in lower and less frequent daily doses than current standard treatment acyclovir, increasing convenience and compliance for patients, which leads to improved disease management. The medication's efficacy in these patients has added significance as it is the only antiviral proven to shorten the duration of postherpetic neuralgia, a symptom that causes great distress in many herpes zoster patients."

The study showed that famciclovir three times daily was effective in reducing eye complications associated with ophthalmic zoster. For example, only 13% of patients treated with famciclovir three times daily developed herpes keratitis. In addition, only 25% of famciclovir-treated patients experienced uveitis. Left untreated, approximately 60% of patients will develop these conditions. Results for patients treated with acyclovir five times daily were comparable.

Novartis acquired Famvir from SmithKline Beecham in December 2000 as part of SmithKline Beecham's response to antitrust concerns before its merger with Glaxo Wellcome.

For more information, go to http://www.novartis.com.