Brivudin, (( E)-5-(2-bromovinyl)-2’-deoxyuridine (BVDU) can be considered the gold standard for the treatment of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infections, such as herpes zoster (shingles). It is available for clinical use in most European countries (except for the UK) and over the whole world (except for the US and Canada). Besides VZV its activity spectrum also includes various other herpesviruses, such as herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). Its activity against VZV and HSV-1 depends on phosphorylation by the virus-encoded thymidine kinase (TK). In its active form (BVDU TP or BVDU 5’-triphosphate), it can act as both substrate and inhibitor of the viral (i.e., HSV-1) DNA polymerase. It has proven to be effective against herpes zoster, including post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN). It is contra-indicated in patients concomitantly treated by 5-fluorouracil (FU), since its degradation product, ( E)-5-(2-bromovinyl)uracil, is inhibitory to the catabolism of FU, which may enhance the toxicity of the latter. A new compound, the bicyclic nucleoside analogue (BCNA) Cf-1743, has been described, which is a more potent inhibitor of VZV replication than BVDU and which does not interfere with the catabolism of FU. It is applicable orally, as its 5’-valine ester FV-100 (Fermavir), but has not (yet) been marketed for clinical use.

Erik De Clercq

Antiviral chemistry & chemotherapy

Antiviral Chemistry & Chemotherapy publishes the results of original research concerned with the biochemistry, mode of action, chemistry, pharmacology and virology of antiviral compounds. Manuscripts dealing with molecular biology, animal models and vaccines are welcome.     The journal also publishes reviews, pointers, short communications and correspondence.

Antiviral Chemistry and Chemotherapy publishes original research results related to the biochemistry, mode of action, chemistry, pharmacology, and virology of antiviral compounds. Manuscripts addressing molecular biology, animal models, and vaccines are also welcome. The journal additionally publishes reviews, pointers, short communications, and correspondence.

《Antiviral Chemistry and Chemotherapy》期刊致力于发表与抗病毒化合物的生物化学、作用机制、化学、药理学和病毒学相关的原创研究成果。欢迎提交涉及分子生物学、动物模型和疫苗的手稿。此外，期刊还接受综述、指引、简短通讯和信函的投稿。

The development of BVDU: An odyssey

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