pritelivir

Pritelivir is a direct-acting antiviral small molecule in the thiazolylamide class that inhibits the helicase-primase enzyme complex of herpes simplex virus (HSV), specifically targeting both HSV-1 and HSV-2. By binding to and inhibiting the viral helicase–primase complex (composed of UL5 and UL52 proteins), pritelivir blocks viral DNA replication at an early stage, preventing further expression of early and late viral genes. This mechanism is distinct from nucleoside analogues like acyclovir, as it does not require activation by viral thymidine kinase and remains effective against acyclovir-resistant strains. Pritelivir is being developed primarily for immunocompromised patients with mucocutaneous HSV infections resistant to standard therapies such as acyclovir or foscarnet. The drug is currently in Phase III clinical development by AiCuris Anti-infective Cures AG[1][4][5][7][8].

Other names

pritelivir mesylate