Adefovir reformulated for herpes infections of the cornea
Repurposing and reformulation of adefovir dipivoxil for improved topical treatment of herpes simplex virus infection of the eye
A reformulated adefovir eye medicine that aims to treat herpes infections of the cornea with fewer daily doses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11122362 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are reformulating an existing antiviral drug, adefovir dipivoxil, into a longer-acting topical eye treatment for herpes-related corneal infections. Lab tests using human corneal cells and mouse models showed adefovir is more active against HSV-1 and HSV-2 than standard drugs like acyclovir, and the team will develop formulations to extend how long the drug stays on the eye. They will test different concentrations and delivery methods in the lab and in animals to identify safe, effective options that reduce dosing frequency. If those preclinical steps are successful, the work could move toward testing in people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with active or recurrent herpes simplex infection of the eye (HSV keratitis) would be the intended candidates for this treatment.
Not a fit: People without ocular herpes, those with non-herpetic eye disease, or individuals allergic to adefovir or formulation ingredients would not be expected to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could mean fewer daily eye applications and better control of ocular herpes, which could reduce corneal damage and vision loss.
How similar studies have performed: Preliminary lab and mouse studies show promise for adefovir against HSV, but long-acting topical adefovir for eye herpes is largely untested in humans so far.
Where this research is happening
Tucson, United States
- University of Arizona — Tucson, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Date, Abhijit a — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Date, Abhijit a
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.