The varicella zoster virus is known for causing some of the world’s most widespread viral conditions: chickenpox and shingles. Typically, people are infected during childhood and develop chickenpox. The virus then remains dormant in the body. In adulthood, if the virus is activated, it leads to the development of shingles. While there are treatments available for herpes and shingles, an article by Knowridge explains that these treatments do not always work as well as they could. Some treatments such as aciclovir also come with negative side effects such as headaches, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, itchy or dry skin, and more. Identifying novel therapies could bring relief to many people.
This mission led researchers from the University of Georgia to create a molecule called POM-L-BHDU. Studies have evaluated POM-L-BHDU, 0.2% formulated in cocoa butter; it has shown efficacy in preclinical models and in some studies on human skin, though these results remain unpublished. The molecule is also interesting because the researchers plan to develop it for different applications. While topical application has shown initial efficacy, researchers are also exploring intravenous and oral administration models.
The research team believes that POM-L-BHDU could potentially have many benefits over existing treatments, such as:
- Less drug absorption into the blood
- The ability to overcome rising drug resistance
- A possibility of treating shingles, herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV1), and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV2)
Want to learn more about POM-L-BHDU? Check out this study published in the Journal of Medical Chemistry.
About Herpes Zoster (Shingles)
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 1 in every 3 people will develop shingles (also known as herpes zoster) in their lifetime. If you ever had chickenpox, you are at risk of developing shingles, as both are caused by the varicella zoster virus.
Shingles is a painful and itchy rash that develops on the face or body, usually on one side. It is characterized by painful blisters that often scab over in 7-10 days. Many people with shingles have their rash clear up within 2-4 weeks following when it arises. Some people may experience pain, burning, tingling, itching, or fever before the rash appears. Once the rash appears, other symptoms may include a headache, fever and chills, sensitivity to bright light, or gastrointestinal issues.
The CDC explains that one complication of shingle is post-herpetic neuralgia (PNH), or long-term nerve pain. Other complications include vision loss, bacterial infections, pneumonia, hearing loss, or brain inflammation (also known as encephalitis). If you are immunocompromised, you’re at a higher risk of developing serious complications.
The shingles vaccine is now recommended for people ages 50 and over.
