The Antiviral Effect of Berdazimer Sodium on Molluscum Contagiosum Virus Using a Novel In Vitro Methodology

Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is characterized by skin lesions containing the highly contagious molluscum contagiosum poxvirus (MCV). MCV primarily infects children, with one US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drug-device treatment in use but no approved medications. Assessing antivirals is hindered by the inability of MCV to replicate in vitro. Here, we use vaccinia virus as a surrogate to provide evidence of the anti-poxvirus properties of berdazimer sodium, a new chemical entity, and the active substance in berdazimer gel, 10.3%, a nitric oxide-releasing topical in phase 3 development for the treatment of MC. We show that berdazimer sodium reduced poxvirus replication and, through a novel methodology, demonstrate that cells infected with drug-treated MCV virions have reduced early gene expression. Specifically, this is accomplished by studying the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cell (NF-kB)-blocking protein MC160 as an example of an early gene. The results provide a plausible unique antiviral mechanism of action supporting increased MCV resolution observed in patients treated with berdazimer gel, 10.3% and describe a novel methodology that overcomes limitations in investigating MCV response in vitro to a potential new MC topical medication.