Researchers at the University of Georgia (UGA) have developed a promising new molecule that could lead to better treatments for viruses like shingles, chickenpox, and herpes. The team, led by David Chu and Uma Singh, recently patented the molecule, which has shown strong results in early studies. Their findings were published in the Journal of Medicinal Chemistry.
The varicella zoster virus is the same virus that causes both chickenpox and shingles. If you had chickenpox as a child, the virus doesn’t leave your body—it simply goes quiet and stays hidden in your nerve cells.
But later in life, especially when your immune system weakens, it can come back as shingles, a painful condition that causes rashes and nerve pain. It’s a common problem, especially in older adults.
The new molecule, called POM-L-BHDU, has shown great potential in treating this virus more effectively than current medications. Not only does it work against the varicella zoster virus, but it also appears to be effective against herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2, which cause oral and genital herpes.
Current drugs used to treat shingles and herpes often have limited success and may cause unpleasant or even dangerous side effects. Another growing concern is that some viruses have become resistant to these treatments, making it harder to manage outbreaks.
That’s where POM-L-BHDU comes in. This new molecule is different because it can be taken in several ways—by mouth, injection, or as a topical cream. In testing, the cream form of the drug worked especially well for controlling outbreaks on the skin.
When applied directly to sores, it not only reduced symptoms but also prevented the virus from spreading to other areas of the body. Since the drug stays mostly on the surface and doesn’t absorb deeply into the bloodstream, the risk of side effects is much lower.
What makes POM-L-BHDU even more promising is its safety. It can be used by patients with weakened immune systems, including those undergoing cancer treatment. This is important because cancer patients are especially vulnerable to viral infections.
Early lab and animal testing, including trials on human skin samples, show that the molecule works well against both herpes and shingles. The next step is to begin phase 1 clinical trials to test the drug in people and make sure it’s safe and effective in real-life settings.
The UGA Research Foundation has already licensed the drug to Anterogen Co., a company that will help move the project forward.
The researchers also hope that the topical form of this medication could one day be sold over the counter, meaning people could buy it without a prescription. This would make it easier for patients to treat outbreaks quickly and conveniently at home.
If successful, POM-L-BHDU could be a game changer for the millions of people affected by herpes and shingles around the world. With better results and fewer side effects than existing treatments, this new drug could offer faster relief and improved quality of life for many.
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