Artemisinin dimers as potent anti-cytomegalovirus (CMV) agents

UNMET NEED: Infection with cytomegalovirus (CMV) is common in humans and is usually asymptomatic; yet, in immunocompromised hosts, such as transplant recipients and patients with AIDS, CMV infection is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Cytomegalovirus infection also is the most common congenitally-acquired infection and the leading infectious agent causing mental retardation and deafness in congenitally infected children. CMV treatments exist, but are associated with considerable side effects. Hence, new treatment options for CMV are urgently needed, in particular for infants with congenital CMV infection. Disclosed herein is the use of artemisinin dimers as potent and non-toxic inhibitors of CMV replication. Advantages include:

• Novel class of compounds for treatment of CMV infection
• Potentially fewer side effects than existing anti-CMV therapies which may result in improved patient compliance.
•  

INVENTORS: Ravit Borger, Gary Posner
 
DATA AVAILABILITY: Efficacy in mouse CMV model
 
PATENT STATUS: Granted US Patent 8,883,765
 
ASSOCIATED PUBLICATIONS and TECHNOLOGIES: PLoS One. 2010 Apr 28;5(4):e10370.; JHU Ref C14323

Category(s):