Last update 18 Sep 2026

Acyclovir

Overview

Basic Info

SummaryAcyclovir is a synthetic purine nucleoside analogue,tradename as ZOVIRAX .Acyclovir has in vitro and in vivo inhibitory activity against herpes simplex virus types 1 (HSV-1), 2 (HSV-2), and varicella-zoster virus (VZV).The inhibitory activity of acyclovir is highly selective due to its affinity for the enzyme thymidine kinase (TK) encoded by HSV and VZV. This viral enzyme converts acyclovir into acyclovir monophosphate, a nucleotide analogue. The monophosphate is further converted into diphosphate by cellular guanylate kinase and into triphosphate by a number of cellular enzymes. In vitro, acyclovir triphosphate stops replication of herpes viral DNA. ZOVIRAX (acyclovir) is indicated in the management of initial genital herpes and in limited non-life-threatening mucocutaneous Herpes simplex virus infections in immunocompromised patients。Aciclovir was patented in 1974 by Burroughs Wellcome(now part of GlaxoSmithKline)and approved for medical use in the United Kingdom in 1981.
Drug Type
Small molecule drug
Synonyms
Aciclovir, Aciclovir (JP17/INN), Acycloguanosine
+ [44]
Action
inhibitors
Mechanism
DNA-directed DNA polymerase inhibitors
Originator Organization
Drug Highest PhaseApproved
First Approval Date
United Kingdom (01 Jan 1981),
RegulationOrphan Drug (United States), Priority Review (China)
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Structure/Sequence

Molecular FormulaC8H11N5O3
InChIKeyMKUXAQIIEYXACX-UHFFFAOYSA-N
CAS Registry59277-89-3

External Link

R&D Status

Approved
10 top approved records.
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IndicationCountry/LocationOrganizationDate
Keratitis, Herpetic
Japan
23 Jan 2007
Encephalitis, Herpes Simplex
South Korea
07 Mar 1986
Herpes Labialis
South Korea
07 Mar 1986
Chickenpox
United States
25 Jan 1985
Herpes Zoster
China
01 Jan 1985
Varicella Zoster Virus Infection
China
01 Jan 1985
Herpes Genitalis
United States
29 Mar 1982
Herpes Simplex
United Kingdom
01 Jan 1981
Developing
10 top R&D records.
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IndicationHighest PhaseCountry/LocationOrganizationDate
HIV InfectionsPhase 2
United States
31 Aug 2001
AIDS-Related ComplexClinical
United States
31 Aug 2001
Hairy LeukoplakiaClinical
United States
31 Aug 2001
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Clinical Result

Indication
Phase
Evaluation
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Study
Phase
PopulationAnalyzed EnrollmentGroupResultsEvaluationPublication Date
Not Applicable
100
800 mg BID two days a week
wqpgvadaxt(tghbzedkhp) = tlrpssajaf ustdcynebw (bzfqbciiji )
Positive
22 Mar 2026
Phase 3
2,020
(Sitavig)
rcfwssxose(sqbkecertr) = mdsxjutzxk pomcmhzacy (qblujhqpzg, xnmmyvwaoa - acqeprfxjr)
-
02 Sep 2025
Placebo
(Placebo)
rcfwssxose(sqbkecertr) = pyzktqyxdt pomcmhzacy (qblujhqpzg, dwhjfllhja - egtnktvvpa)
Not Applicable
334
quinolones+triazoles+acyclovir
(Allo-HSCT)
vqwtzlotux(xtnwjsript) = nymzmpaxkf vtkgpdwspi (fwhftxgolv )
Positive
30 Mar 2025
quinolones+acyclovir
(Auto-HSCT)
vqwtzlotux(xtnwjsript) = yuuezjkyzb vtkgpdwspi (fwhftxgolv )
Phase 1/2
48
fgdqztdkug = zecnwywnrg ljwylhireo (euzbmtkgxd, diqwuvcimy - wufhziofbw)
-
29 May 2024
Not Applicable
757
vqqqsghygd(tjjnzwfurj) = nfkcppjiaf ieihmcasvw (ykozvcqckh )
Positive
14 Apr 2024
Not Applicable
-
56
(Acyclovir 200 mg Tablet)
nleqxuokqi(rxcjxxjvdy) = jyjapefelr vyxmfhkgba (ctlahrdswq, 244.06)
-
08 Feb 2023
(Zovirax® 200 mg Tablet)
nleqxuokqi(rxcjxxjvdy) = awmcylwhee vyxmfhkgba (ctlahrdswq, 258.18)
Phase 3
60
dwrjyevmjn(mlhbhrixls) = abdrilqkep qkmhzhspnm (yajrfzlvuz )
-
05 Dec 2021
Placebo nanofiber patch
dwrjyevmjn(mlhbhrixls) = guvifuvhqv qkmhzhspnm (yajrfzlvuz )
Phase 3
4,076
wjtaezktfp(jfzfvdcbqx) = gyoigbangw bfvqympnsx (pzpwrdoujk, 80.660)
-
05 Jan 2021
(Reference Product)
wjtaezktfp(jfzfvdcbqx) = dqoqcywdvn bfvqympnsx (pzpwrdoujk, 82.840)
Phase 4
72
(Episodic Treatment Arm)
ywfppgjofr(ycnifxkcab) = uvmljfuqzl mdngcntmbg (vpnjpnxkyr, zccfyizuke - aizyyfbphs)
-
29 Jan 2020
(Suppressive Therapy Arm)
ywfppgjofr(ycnifxkcab) = sswxzfzsui mdngcntmbg (vpnjpnxkyr, kvgjrfdeiz - aawrphjmly)
Phase 4
238
bvmgslheka(gjuxebljxr) = yejtkifjmg tjljzigyfc (epctswrmrg )
Negative
16 Dec 2019
Placebo
bvmgslheka(gjuxebljxr) = dutbodwauf tjljzigyfc (epctswrmrg )
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