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news.Chimerix has presented the data demonstrating preclinical efficacy as well as ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier of its antiviral compound CMX001 against herpes simplex virus (HSV).
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Chimerix study demonstrated that treatment with CMX001reduced mortality rates and effectively inhibited HSV replication in a mouse model of disseminated infections and central nervous system infections.
Notably, orally-administered CMX001 was shown in this model to penetrate the blood-brain barrier and eradicate signs of virus in brain tissue.
Chimerix claimed that, in contrast, acyclovir-treated animals continued to show detectable levels of the virus in brain tissue during and after treatment, and researchers concluded that CMX001, because of its cellular uptake and biodistribution, holds promise for improved outcomes in the treatment of herpes viruses.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine associate professor Debra Quenelle said that CMX001 has demonstrated improved efficacy to acyclovir in reducing viral load and reducing viral replication, particularly in the CNS, in studies of HSV-infected mice which have been highly predictive of outcome in humans.
"Based on these results, CMX001 may have potential for use, either alone or in combination, in the treatment of herpes encephalitis, neonatal herpes, or other severe HSV infections in humans," Quenelle said.
Chimerix chairman and chief scientific officer George Painter said that the data extend the growing body of evidence for the potential use of CMX001 as a broad-spectrum agent against infections caused by double-stranded DNA viruses.
"Preclinical and early clinical safety and efficacy data suggest that CMX001 has significant potential for the prevention and treatment of many serious, persistent and potentially fatal diseases," Painter said.