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Acyclovir
About Acyclovir
One of the first selective antiviral drugs. Acyclovir treats herpes simplex virus infections including cold sores, genital herpes, and chickenpox. It also treats shingles. Acyclovir was discovered by Gertrude Elion, who received the Nobel Prize in 1988. The drug works by inhibiting viral DNA polymerase after being activated only in infected cells, making it remarkably selective. Acyclovir can be taken orally, intravenously, or applied topically. It reduces symptom duration but does not cure herpes.
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