NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Using Ganciclovir to Prevent Cytomegalovirus Reactivation in Patients with Severe Respiratory Issues

Official title: 1/2 Ganciclovir to Prevent Reactivation of Cytomegalovirus in Patients with Acute Respiratory Failure and Sepsis

Funded at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center · NIH-10916408 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at whether the antiviral medication ganciclovir can help prevent the reactivation of cytomegalovirus (CMV) in adults with severe respiratory failure caused by sepsis, to see if it can improve their recovery and reduce the time they spend on a ventilator and in the ICU.

More Sepsis research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionFred Hutchinson Cancer Center
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Seattle, United States)
Project startSeptember 16, 2020
Project endAugust 31, 2025
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$2,170,027
NIH project number5UH3HL147011-06
Project IDNIH-10916408 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who are CMV seropositive and experiencing acute respiratory failure due to sepsis.

Less likely to help

Patients who are not CMV seropositive or those with other underlying conditions that severely compromise their immune system may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the use of ganciclovir, an antiviral medication, to prevent the reactivation of cytomegalovirus (CMV) in patients suffering from acute respiratory failure due to sepsis. CMV can reactivate during critical illness, leading to worse outcomes, and this study aims to determine if ganciclovir can effectively suppress this reactivation. The approach involves administering ganciclovir to CMV seropositive adults and monitoring their clinical outcomes, including the duration of mechanical ventilation and ICU stay. The research builds on previous findings that suggest ganciclovir may improve recovery in these patients.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved recovery rates and reduced hospital stays for patients with acute respiratory failure and sepsis.

How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with ganciclovir in similar patient populations, indicating a potential for significant clinical improvement.

Where this research is happening

  • Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
    Seattle, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Boeckh, Michael J — Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
  • Study coordinator: Boeckh, Michael J

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.