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Placebo to ACV
This is a Phase 3 trial comparing placebo to acyclovir (ACV), an antiviral nucleoside analog that inhibits viral DNA polymerase to prevent herpes simplex virus replication.
This is a Phase 3 trial comparing placebo to acyclovir (ACV), an antiviral nucleoside analog that inhibits viral DNA polymerase to prevent herpes simplex virus replication. Used for Herpes simplex virus infection (treatment or suppression), Varicella-zoster virus infection (chickenpox or shingles).
At a glance
| Generic name | Placebo to ACV |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC |
| Drug class | Nucleoside analog antiviral |
| Target | Viral DNA polymerase (HSV/VZV) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Infectious Disease / Virology |
| Phase | Phase 3 |
Mechanism of action
Acyclovir is a guanosine analog that is phosphorylated by viral thymidine kinase and then converted to its active triphosphate form, which competitively inhibits viral DNA polymerase and causes chain termination of viral DNA synthesis. This mechanism selectively targets herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicella-zoster virus (VZV) replication while having minimal effects on host cell DNA synthesis.
Approved indications
- Herpes simplex virus infection (treatment or suppression)
- Varicella-zoster virus infection (chickenpox or shingles)
Common side effects
- Headache
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Nephrotoxicity (with IV formulation)
Key clinical trials
- Single-Center Phase II Double-Blind Trial of SAMe to Prevent Liver Cancer in MASLD-Related Cirrhosis (PHASE2)
- A Clinical Trial to Investigate the Efficacy of Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar on Blood Glucose Control in a Healthy Adult Population (NA)
- Prevention of Recurrence of Herpes Simplex in Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases (PHASE4)
- Effect of a Reducose®-Based Supplement on Metabolic Health in Subjects With Metabolic Syndrome (NA)
- Effect of Probiotics Versus Metformin on Glycemic Control, Insulin Sensitivity and Insulin Secretion in Prediabetes. (PHASE2)
- A Clinical Trial to Investigate the Acute Effect of Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar Supplement on Blood Glucose Control in a Healthy Adult Population (NA)
- Kelulut Honey for Allergic Conjunctivitis and Dry Eye Symptoms (NA)
- Clinical Study to Assess the Safety and Efficacy of ACV Moringa Effervescent Tablet Intake on Weight Management in Overweight and Class I Obese Study Participants (NA)
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:
- Placebo to ACV CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Placebo to ACV updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC portfolio CI