A New Class of Dual‐Targeted Antivirals: Monophosphorylated Acyclovir Prodrug Derivatives Suppress Both Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 and Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2

Abstract

Acyclovir ProTides represent a new class of antivirals that suppress both HIV-1 and HSV-2 by directly and independently blocking the key replicative enzymes of both viruses. Further optimization of such compounds may lead to double-targeted antivirals that can prevent viral transmission and treat the 2 synergistic diseases caused by HIV-1 and HSV-2. To our knowledge, the acyclovir ProTides described here represent the first example of acyclic nucleoside monophosphate prodrugs being active against HIV-1.