HA4792 Acyclovir, CAS 59277-89-3

Acyclovir Specifications

Acyclovir Description

Acyclovir is a nucleoside analogue and an antiviral agent used in the treatment of herpes and varicella-zoster virus infections. Acyclovir has not been associated with clinically apparent liver damage. Acyclovir (ay sye' kloe vir) is an acyclic purine nucleoside analogue (Acycloguanosine) that acts antivirally against many herpes viruses, including herpes simplex types 1 and 2, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, and varicella-zoster.

Acyclovir is phosphorylated intracellularly by viral kinases, with the resulting triphosphate competing with guanosine for incorporation into viral DNA and blocking viral DNA polymerase activity. Acyclovir is indicated for the treatment of both localized and disseminated herpes simplex infections of types 1 and 2. It is also utilised in varicella-zoster infections (chickenpox and shingles). Acyclovir was approved in the United States for the treatment of herpes virus infections in 1982 and continues to be widely used for the treatment and prophylaxis of genital and mucosal herpes simplex infections; nearly 5 million prescriptions are issued annually.

Acyclovir Applications

Acyclovir is a nucleoside analogue and an antiviral agent that is used in the treatment of herpes and varicella-zoster virus infections. Acyclovir has not been associated with clinically apparent liver damage.

References:

1. Hayashi et al (2006) The role of a HSV thymidine kinase stimulating substance, scopadulciol, in improving the efficacy of cancer gene therapy. J.Gene.Med. 8 1056 PMID: 16779868
2. Suzuki et al (2006) Antiviral activity of Acyclovir and Vidarabine against herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 and varicella-zoster virus. Antiviral Res. 72 157 PMID: 16797734
3. Elion et al. (1977) Selectivity of the action of an antiherpetic drug, 9-(2-hydroxyethoxymethyl) guanine. Proc.Natl.Acad.Sci.USA. 74 5716