QR-435 has demonstrated antiviral activity against ocular and genital herpes in preclinical studies at a US university, indicating a new R&D path for the versatile antiviral compound. Quigley Pharma is currently negotiating with the university to undertake further trials.
The studies were designed to determine the in-vitro inhibitory activity of QR-435 versus two ocular isolates of herpes simplex virus – 1 (HSV-1) and 2 non-ocular isolates of herpes simplex virus – 2 (HSV-2).
The preclinical studies of QR-435 demonstrated reproducible potent direct antiviral activity against an ocular isolate of HSV-1. The compound also demonstrated similar potent direct antiviral activity against a second similar ocular isolate of HSV-1 and multiple clinical genital isolates of HSV-2.
“After review of the impressive results of these in vitro studies, QR-435 appears to be an excellent candidate for further research as an anti-herpes drug for both the treatment of ocular HSV-1 and genital HSV-2,” stated Dr Edwin Keates, of Northern Ophthalmic Associates and a member of Quigley Pharma’s medical advisory board.