Researchers at the University of Georgia have developed a promising new drug that could change the way we treat chickenpox, shingles, and even herpes. Dr. David Chu and Dr. Uma Singh led the development of this new molecule, which has already been patented and shows strong potential as a treatment for the varicella zoster virus—the virus that causes both chickenpox and shingles.
Chickenpox is often a childhood illness, but the virus never truly leaves the body. Instead, it hides quietly in the nervous system. Years later, especially in older adults or people with weakened immune systems, it can reactivate and cause shingles, a painful condition that results in blisters, nerve pain, and sometimes long-term complications.
Published in the Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, the study shows that the new molecule—called POM-L-BHDU—can effectively treat shingles lesions and may also work against herpes simplex viruses (HSV-1 and HSV-2), which are responsible for cold sores and genital herpes.
Current treatments for shingles and herpes often fall short. Some medications don’t work well or cause unpleasant side effects. On top of that, many virus strains are becoming resistant to existing drugs, making them harder to treat.
That’s why this discovery is so important. POM-L-BHDU is not only more powerful than many current medications, but it’s also safer—even for people with cancer, whose immune systems are often compromised.
Another big plus is how it can be used: the drug can be taken by mouth, through an IV, or applied directly to the skin as a cream. This flexibility could lead to new treatment options that are easier for patients to use.
One of the most exciting findings is that topical application of POM-L-BHDU—putting it directly on the skin—can stop the virus from spreading to other areas of the body. Because less of the drug enters the bloodstream, this method also reduces the chances of side effects.
This opens the door for over-the-counter creams that patients could buy without a prescription, making treatment more accessible and convenient.
So far, the molecule has worked well in lab tests and in mouse models. It has also shown effectiveness on human skin samples, especially against HSV-1 (cold sores) and varicella zoster (shingles). The next step is moving into phase 1 clinical trials, where the safety of the drug will be tested in humans.
The University of Georgia Research Foundation has licensed the drug to Anterogen Co., a company that will help take it further along the development path.
If all goes well, POM-L-BHDU could become a game-changer, offering relief to millions of people suffering from herpes outbreaks or shingles. With fewer side effects, greater effectiveness, and the potential for easy-to-use treatments, this breakthrough could dramatically improve care for patients around the world.
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