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Masked Oral Valacyclovir
Masked oral valacyclovir is a taste-masked formulation of valacyclovir that inhibits viral DNA polymerase to prevent herpes simplex virus and varicella-zoster virus replication.
Masked oral valacyclovir is a taste-masked formulation of valacyclovir that inhibits viral DNA polymerase to prevent herpes simplex virus and varicella-zoster virus replication. Used for Herpes simplex virus infection (treatment and suppression), Varicella-zoster virus infection (chickenpox and shingles).
At a glance
| Generic name | Masked Oral Valacyclovir |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Valtrex |
| Sponsor | NYU Langone Health |
| Drug class | Nucleoside analog antiviral |
| Target | Viral DNA polymerase (HSV and VZV) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Infectious Disease / Virology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Valacyclovir is a prodrug that is converted to acyclovir in the body. Acyclovir is phosphorylated by viral thymidine kinase and then inhibits viral DNA polymerase, preventing viral DNA synthesis and replication. The masking technology improves palatability for oral administration, particularly in pediatric populations.
Approved indications
- Herpes simplex virus infection (oral and genital herpes)
- Varicella-zoster virus infection (chickenpox and shingles)
- Cytomegalovirus prophylaxis in immunocompromised patients
Common side effects
- Headache
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Tremor (at high doses)
Key clinical trials
- Zoster Eye Disease Study (PHASE4)
- 30-Day Trial of Oral Valtrex or Valtrex Plus Aspirin on Shedding of HSV DNA in Tears and Saliva of Volunteers (PHASE1)
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:
- Masked Oral Valacyclovir CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Masked Oral Valacyclovir updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- NYU Langone Health portfolio CI