DATA GRAPHICS | Data Byte
Herpes simplex virus pipeline
Small molecules lead, with antibodies, gene therapies, vaccines and nanoparticles also in the lineup
January 26, 2022 1:30 AM UTC
The herpes simplex virus (HSV) pipeline holds close to two dozen therapies spanning six modalities that are designed to combat drug resistance, suppress viral reactivation or even clear the virus completely.
Small molecules are leading, with two Phase III candidates aiming to overcome resistance to the almost 45-year-old systemic antiviral acyclovir by targeting the helicase-primase complex. Acyclovir resistance results from mutations in either the virus’ thymidine kinase or polymerase; helicase-primase inhibitors offer a way around this resistance by hitting an orthogonal target...