RESUMO
AIDS: The FDA has recently approved three new drugs. Fomivirsen (Vitravene), developed by Isis Pharmaceuticals, was approved as a treatment for cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis. The drug prevents CMV replication by binding with the virus' genetic material. It is the first drug using antisense technology to win approval and is injected into the eye weekly or every other week. Famciclovir (Famvir) was approved for the treatment of HIV-related herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection. It is the first oral anti-HSV drug to be approved for use in people with HIV-related herpes. Thalidomide (Synovir), developed by Celgene, has received limited approval for the treatment of leprosy. It has also been used successfully in trials involving AIDS-related wasting and recurrent aphthous ulcers, although it has not been approved for these conditions.^ieng