Prodrug converted by intestinal and hepatic esterases to ganciclovir, which is not further metabolised.

(To be edited, initial data ST OCT 04) L-valinate ester of the antiviral ganciclovir used to prevent CMV-infection in CMV-negative patients receiving organ transpalantate from CMV positive donor. Rapidly and completely metabolized by intestinal and hepatic esterases to ganciclovir.

Uneventful use reported in 2 patients with acute porphyria.