phosphonoacetic acid

Phosphonoacetic acid is a simple organophosphorus compound and a member of the phosphonic acids. It acts as an antiviral agent by specifically inhibiting DNA polymerase in viruses—most notably herpesviruses—while having minimal effect on normal cellular polymerases. This selectivity results in low cellular toxicity. The drug blocks viral DNA synthesis by binding to the virus-induced DNA polymerase and preventing the addition of deoxynucleosides to elongating nascent chains during polynucleotide synthesis. Phosphonoacetic acid has demonstrated efficacy against herpes simplex virus (HSV) replication in vitro and in animal models of skin and ocular infections[1][2][3][4][6]. Its primary use has been experimental; it is not approved for clinical use.

Other names

(carboxymethyl)phosphonic acid2-phosphonoacetic acidfosfonoacetic acidphosphonacetic aciddisodium phosphonoacetatefosfonet sodiumphosphonoacetate