monocaprin

Monocaprin is a 1-monoglyceride of capric acid, a medium-chain fatty acid derivative, with potent microbicidal activity. Developed by Bio-Gels Pharmaceuticals, it is formulated as a topical hydrogel for the treatment of herpes labialis (cold sores) and herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections. Its primary mechanism of action involves the physical disruption of the viral lipid envelope, leading to viral inactivation. In clinical studies conducted in Iceland, monocaprin has been evaluated both as a monotherapy and in combination with low-dose doxycycline, which acts as a matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor to reduce inflammation and tissue breakdown. The combination therapy has demonstrated significant reductions in healing time and pain compared to placebo and monocaprin alone. Additionally, monocaprin has shown potential as a broad-spectrum mucosal microbicide against various sexually transmitted infections.

Other names

1-monocapringlycerol monocapratemonodecanoin1-monodecanoyl-sn-glycerol