Last reviewed · How we verify
Experimental: Valacyclovir treatment
Experimental: Valacyclovir treatment is a Nucleoside analog antiviral Small molecule drug developed by University of Pittsburgh. It is currently FDA-approved for Herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 and HSV-2) infection, Varicella-zoster virus (chickenpox and shingles) infection, Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection prophylaxis in immunocompromised patients.
Valacyclovir is a prodrug that is converted to acyclovir, which inhibits viral DNA polymerase to prevent herpesvirus replication.
Valacyclovir is a prodrug that is converted to acyclovir, which inhibits viral DNA polymerase to prevent herpesvirus replication. Used for Herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 and HSV-2) infection, Varicella-zoster virus (chickenpox and shingles) infection, Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection prophylaxis in immunocompromised patients.
At a glance
| Generic name | Experimental: Valacyclovir treatment |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | University of Pittsburgh |
| Drug class | Nucleoside analog antiviral |
| Target | Herpesvirus DNA polymerase |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Infectious Disease / Virology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Valacyclovir is rapidly metabolized to acyclovir in the body. Acyclovir is phosphorylated by viral thymidine kinase in infected cells, then further phosphorylated to the active triphosphate form, which competitively inhibits viral DNA polymerase and causes chain termination of viral DNA synthesis. This mechanism is selective for herpesvirus-infected cells.
Approved indications
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 and HSV-2) infection
- Varicella-zoster virus (chickenpox and shingles) infection
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection prophylaxis in immunocompromised patients
Common side effects
- Headache
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Tremor (at high doses)
- Confusion or hallucinations (rare, high-dose)
Key clinical trials
- In Utero Treatment of Cytomegalovirus congénitale Infection With Valacyclovir (PHASE4)
- Valacyclovir Plus Celecoxib for Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PHASE2)
- HSV-tk and XRT and Chemotherapy for Newly Diagnosed GBM (PHASE1, PHASE2)
- HSV-tk + Valacyclovir + SBRT + Chemotherapy for Recurrent GBM (PHASE1, PHASE2)
- Trial of Radiation and Gene Therapy Before Nivolumab for Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma and Uveal Melanoma (PHASE2)
- ValGanciclovir Versus ValAcyclovir for Viral Prophylaxis in Kidney Transplantation (PHASE2)
- Phase II High Risk Prostate Cancer Trial Using Gene & Androgen Deprivation Therapies, Radiotherapy, & Surgery (PHASE2)
- To Rescue Cognition With Valaciclovir (PHASE2)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Experimental: Valacyclovir treatment CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Experimental: Valacyclovir treatment updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- University of Pittsburgh portfolio CI
Frequently asked questions about Experimental: Valacyclovir treatment
What is Experimental: Valacyclovir treatment?
How does Experimental: Valacyclovir treatment work?
What is Experimental: Valacyclovir treatment used for?
Who makes Experimental: Valacyclovir treatment?
What drug class is Experimental: Valacyclovir treatment in?
What development phase is Experimental: Valacyclovir treatment in?
What are the side effects of Experimental: Valacyclovir treatment?
What does Experimental: Valacyclovir treatment target?
Related
- Drug class: All Nucleoside analog antiviral drugs
- Target: All drugs targeting Herpesvirus DNA polymerase
- Manufacturer: University of Pittsburgh — full pipeline
- Therapeutic area: All drugs in Infectious Disease / Virology
- Indication: Drugs for Herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 and HSV-2) infection
- Indication: Drugs for Varicella-zoster virus (chickenpox and shingles) infection
- Indication: Drugs for Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection prophylaxis in immunocompromised patients
Primary sources · FDA · ClinicalTrials.gov · EMA · SEC EDGAR · ChEMBL · Wikidata · full sourcing