HerpeCide

**HerpeCide** is a program of topical nanoviricide drug candidates developed by NanoViricides, Inc. for herpesvirus infections, with the lead candidate NV-HHV-101 formulated as a skin cream primarily targeting shingles rash caused by varicella-zoster virus (VZV) reactivation, and broader activity against HSV-1 (cold sores), HSV-2 (genital herpes), and ocular HSV-1 infections. Nanoviricides are biomimetic polymeric micelles with hundreds of surface-attached ligands that mimic viral cell receptors such as the herpesvirus entry mediator (HVEM), enabling a "bind-encapsulate-destroy" mechanism where the virus binds, undergoes lipid mixing with the micelle envelope leading to destabilization, and loses infectivity without relying on host immunity or intracellular action. Preclinical studies demonstrate superior efficacy to acyclovir in lethal HSV-1 mouse models (e.g., >85% survival vs. <58%), near-complete VZV inhibition in cell cultures, and excellent safety (nontoxic at maximum feasible doses in rodents), positioning it for topical treatment of a multi-billion-dollar market unmet by current nucleoside antivirals.[1][2][3][9]

Other names

HerpeCide program