ARYS-01

ARYS-01 is a topical cream formulation of sorivudine (1-β-D-arabinofuranosyl-5-(2-bromovinyl)uracil), a potent nucleoside analog antiviral agent specifically targeting the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Developed by aRigen Pharmaceuticals, ARYS-01 is designed for the treatment of herpes zoster (shingles) to promote rapid rash healing and reduce the incidence of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). The mechanism of action involves the selective phosphorylation of sorivudine by viral thymidine kinase, followed by conversion to its triphosphate form, which competitively inhibits viral DNA polymerase and terminates viral DNA chain elongation. By utilizing a topical delivery system, ARYS-01 aims to achieve high local drug concentrations at the site of infection while maintaining low systemic levels, thereby mitigating the risk of the well-known metabolic interaction between systemic sorivudine and fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy drugs.

Other names

sorivudine creamBV-araU cream