Acyclovir — A review of the preclinical and early clinical data of a new antiherpes drug

A review of the literature on acyclovir (Zovirax), a new antiherpes drug, with particular activity against herpes simplex virus types I and II and also against varicella-zoster, Epstein—Barr, cytomegalo and herpes B viruses, is presented. The article deals with ‘in vitro’ and ‘in vivo’ efficacy in animals, animal toxicity, latency and resistance, the mechanism of action and early clinical experience.