Efficacy of herpes virus helicase-primase inhibitor, ASP2151, for treating herpes simplex keratitis in mouse model

Aims To determine the efficacy of a new helicase-primase inhibitor, ASP2151, for treating herpetic keratitis. Methods Murine corneas were infected with herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). ASP2151 was administered orally or topically, and the severity of epithelial dendritic keratitis was determined. The effectiveness of ASP2151 was compared with that of acyclovir and valacyclovir. The reduction of the amount of HSV in tears, enucleated eyes and trigeminal ganglia was determined by real-time PCR or plaque assay. Results Orally administered ASP2151 reduced the epithelial keratitis score significantly more than that of the vehicle-treated group (p Conclusions ASP2151 had significantly better anti-HSV activity against herpes simplex keratitis than valacyclovir and acyclovir after systemic or topical use. These findings indicate that ASP2151 should be considered as an alternative treatment for herpes simplex keratitis.