abalone haemocyanin

Abalone haemocyanin is a marine-derived biologic protein extracted from the hemolymph of the Tasmanian abalone (*Haliotis rubra*). Developed by Marine Biotechnology Australia, it is being investigated as a topical antiviral treatment for herpes labialis (cold sores) caused by herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1). The drug functions by selectively binding to the viral surface glycoproteins gD, gB, and gC, thereby inhibiting viral attachment and entry into host cells. Unlike traditional antivirals that target post-entry replication, abalone haemocyanin acts as a viral entry inhibitor by likely mimicking cellular receptors. It is currently being evaluated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled proof-of-concept clinical trial as a once-daily topical formulation.

Other names

Haliotis rubra haemocyanin