ABI-1179

ABI-1179 is a long-acting small molecule antiviral drug in development for the treatment of herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections, specifically targeting recurrent genital herpes. It acts as a potent inhibitor of the HSV helicase-primase complex, blocking viral DNA replication by inhibiting the DNA unwinding activity essential for viral genome synthesis. Preclinical studies have shown that ABI-1179 has significantly greater potency than pritelivir and demonstrates efficacy against both HSV-1 and HSV-2 strains. The drug is designed for once-weekly oral dosing due to its mean half-life of approximately four days. Developed by Assembly Biosciences under license from Gilead Sciences, it is currently in Phase 1 clinical trials with positive interim safety and pharmacokinetic results reported[1][3][4][5][6].