New antivirals with activity against varicella-zoster virus

Herpes zoster is a serious medical problem, not only because of the discomfort associated with the acute rash, but also because of the potential for post-herpetic neuralgia. Acyclovir is currently the antiviral drug of choice for the treatment of herpes zoster. Efforts are underway to develop new drugs that have improved activity against varicella-zoster virus as well as more favorable pharmacokinetic properties. The goal of these efforts is to develop an orally administered antiviral drug that will accelerate the events of cutaneous healing as well as reduce the frequency and severity of post-herpetic neuralgia. Investigational drugs currently under evaluation include valaciclovir and famciclovir, the prodrugs of acyclovir and penciclovir, respectively. Two new uracil derivatives, sorivudine and BW882C87, with increased anti-varicella-zoster virus activity in vitro are also being studied.