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Acyclovir--and beyond

¹Wellcome Research Laboratories, Wellcome Foundation Ltd., Beckenham, Kent, UK.

The Journal of International Medical Research

|January 1, 1994

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Valaciclovir, an acyclovir prodrug, offers improved oral bioavailability and potentially greater efficacy for herpes simplex virus and varicella zoster virus infections. Novel compounds like 882C87 show enhanced activity against VZV.

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Area of Science:

Antiviral drug development
Herpesvirus infection management

Background:

Acyclovir is standard therapy for herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections but has low oral bioavailability.
Development of improved antiviral agents is ongoing to enhance efficacy and patient convenience.

Purpose of the Study:

To review advancements in antiherpesviral therapies beyond acyclovir.
To evaluate novel agents like valaciclovir, penciclovir, famciclovir, and 882C87 for potential clinical benefits.

Main Methods:

Pharmacokinetic and efficacy comparisons of new antiviral agents against acyclovir.
Review of clinical trial data and preclinical studies for emerging antiherpesviral drugs.

Main Results:

Valaciclovir, an L-valine ester of acyclovir, demonstrates enhanced acyclovir plasma levels after oral administration, suggesting improved bioavailability and potential for superior clinical efficacy.

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Penciclovir and famciclovir show similar antiviral characteristics to acyclovir without demonstrated clinical superiority.

Novel nucleoside analogue 882C87 exhibits significantly greater activity against varicella zoster virus (VZV) and a longer plasma half-life compared to acyclovir.

Conclusions:

Valaciclovir offers potential for more convenient dosing and improved clinical outcomes in HSV and VZV infections, with possible utility in human cytomegalovirus (CMV) prophylaxis.
Emerging compounds like 882C87 present promising alternatives with enhanced potency and pharmacokinetic profiles for VZV treatment.