Inhibition of herpes simplex virus multiplication by 2,3-bis(acetyl mercaptomethyl)-quinoxalin

The drug 2,3-bis(acetyl mercaptomethyl)-quinoxalin (BAMMQ) was 99.9% inhibitory for herpes simplex virus (HSV) multiplication in cell cultures at concentrations of 1.6 X 10(-5) M or less. The drug was not inactivating for the virus, did not interfere with adsorption and penetration of the virus, and was still active when added as late as 12 h after infection with HSV. BAMMQ did not prevent HSV DNA replication, but interfered with a late stage of virus assembly and/or maturation.