Amenamevir is a helicase–primase inhibitor (HPI) that blocks the activity of the helicase–primase complex essential for herpes simplex virus (HSV) DNA replication. Unlike nucleoside analogs such as acyclovir, it does not require activation by viral thymidine kinase, making it potentially effective against acyclovir-resistant HSV strains.
Clinical trials have demonstrated that amenamevir shows comparable efficacy to acyclovir in accelerating rash healing and relieving pain in herpes zoster, with the added convenience of once-daily dosing.
Launch Year (Japan): 2017
Main Market: Japan (Amenalief®); not yet approved in the US or EU
Patent Expiry: Estimated around 2031, depending on jurisdiction
Amenamevir is a helicase–primase inhibitor (HPI) that blocks the activity of the helicase–primase complex essential for herpes simplex virus (HSV) DNA replication. Unlike nucleoside analogs such as acyclovir, it does not require activation by viral thymidine kinase, making it potentially effective against acyclovir-resistant HSV strains.
Clinical trials have demonstrated that amenamevir shows comparable efficacy to acyclovir in accelerating rash healing and relieving pain in herpes zoster, with the added convenience of once-daily dosing.
Launch Year (Japan): 2017
Main Market: Japan (Amenalief®); not yet approved in the US or EU
Patent Expiry: Estimated around 2031, depending on jurisdiction
