2-[4,5-Difluoro-2-(2-fluorobenzoylamino)-benzoylamino]benzoic acid, an antiviral compound with activity against acyclovir-resistant isolates of herpes simplex virus type 1 and 2

摘要

Herpes simplex viruses (HSV-1 and HSV-2) are responsible for life-long latent infections in humans, with periods of viral reactivation associated with recurring ulcerations in the orofacial and genital tract. In immunosuppressed patients and neonates, HSV infections are associated with severe morbidity, and in some cases even mortality. Today, acyclovir is the standard therapy for management of HSV infections. However, the need for novel antiviral agents is apparent since HSV isolates resistant to acyclovir therapy are frequently isolated in immunosuppressed patients. In this study, we assessed the anti-HSV activity of the anti-adenoviral compounds 2-[2-(2-benzoylamino)-benzoylamino]benzoic acid, (Benzavir-1) and 2-[4,5-difluoro-2-(2-fluorobenzoylamino)-benzoylamino]benzoic acid, (Benzavir-2) on HSV-1 and HSV-2. Both compounds were active against both viruses. Importantly, Benzavir-2 had similar potency to acyclovir against both HSV types and it was active against clinical acyclovir-resistant HSV isolates.