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Updated: May 9, 2026
08:31
Porcine Corneal Tissue Explant to Study the Efficacy of Herpes Simplex Virus-1 Antivirals
Published on: September 20, 2021
Antiviral agents for herpes simplex virus
R Anthony Vere Hodge1, Hugh J Field
1Vere Hodge Antivirals Ltd., Surrey, United Kingdom.
Advances in Pharmacology (San Diego, Calif.)
|July 27, 2013
Summary
Antiviral chemotherapy for herpes simplex virus (HSV) has advanced significantly, with acyclovir and famciclovir remaining mainstays. Emerging treatments show promise for resistant infections and future HSV research is active.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Pharmacology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2) cause significant disease, necessitating effective antiviral chemotherapy.
- Current therapies like acyclovir (ACV) and famciclovir (FCV) have been mainstays for two decades with a good safety profile.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the historical development and current status of antiviral therapies for HSV.
- To explore novel compounds and future research directions for HSV treatment.
- To discuss challenges in advancing new antiviral compounds.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of preclinical studies and clinical trials for HSV antivirals.
- Analysis of clinical experience with established and emerging HSV treatments.
- Discussion of drug reclassification and research trends.
Main Results:
- Acyclovir (ACV) and famciclovir (FCV) have been effective for two decades, with notable safety.
- Newer agents like ME609, pritelivir, and CMX001 show potential for specific HSV infections.
- Challenges exist in progressing novel compounds, but research is active.
Conclusions:
- Established antivirals like ACV and FCV remain crucial for HSV management.
- Novel approaches targeting viral enzymes and resistant strains are under investigation.
- HSV research is moving beyond a quiescent phase with promising new avenues.
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