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AIDS Treatment Data Network
(ATDN) New Trial for CMV Retinitis

November 1, 1995
Treatment Review No. 20; November 1995

CMV retinitis is a disease caused by a herpesvirus with which most people have been infected sometime during their lifetime. CMV retinitis can lead to blindness. Only two treatments are currently approved for this infection. A new study of CMV retinitis treatments is being conducted by the AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG). This trial will study the antibody MSL 109 given in combination with either foscarnet or ganciclovir, the two drugs currently approved for the treatment of CMV retinitis. MSL 109 has fewer side effects than either ganciclovir or foscarnet and was tolerated well by participants in earlier studies. MSL 109 is a human anti-CMV antibody that specifically targets CMV infection in the body. It is believed that combining one of the standard treatments for CMV retinitis, ganciclovir or foscarnet, with the anti-CMV antibody will be a more effective treatment. Upon entry into the trial, all participants will be administered either ganciclovir or foscarnet through an IV tube. Participants will then be given one dose of MSL 109 or a placebo also administered through an IV tube. A second dose of MSL 109 or a placebo will be administered after two weeks. For a full description of this study or a referral to call The Network at (800) 734-7104.

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