The Antiviral Effect of Berdazimer Sodium on Molluscum Contagiosum Virus Using a Novel In Vitro Methodology.
Viruses
; 15(12)2023 11 30.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38140601
ABSTRACT
Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is characterized by skin lesions containing the highly contagious molluscum contagiosum poxvirus (MCV). MCV primarily infects children, with one US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drug-device treatment in use but no approved medications. Assessing antivirals is hindered by the inability of MCV to replicate in vitro. Here, we use vaccinia virus as a surrogate to provide evidence of the anti-poxvirus properties of berdazimer sodium, a new chemical entity, and the active substance in berdazimer gel, 10.3%, a nitric oxide-releasing topical in phase 3 development for the treatment of MC. We show that berdazimer sodium reduced poxvirus replication and, through a novel methodology, demonstrate that cells infected with drug-treated MCV virions have reduced early gene expression. Specifically, this is accomplished by studying the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cell (NF-kB)-blocking protein MC160 as an example of an early gene. The results provide a plausible unique antiviral mechanism of action supporting increased MCV resolution observed in patients treated with berdazimer gel, 10.3% and describe a novel methodology that overcomes limitations in investigating MCV response in vitro to a potential new MC topical medication.
Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Molluscum Contagiosum
/
Molluscum contagiosum virus
Limits:
Child
/
Humans
Country/Region as subject:
America do norte
Language:
En
Journal:
Viruses
Year:
2023
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
United States