Anti-herpes activity of adenine arabinoside monophosphate.

Adenine arabinoside monophosphate (Ara-AMP) demonstrated antiviral activity equivalent to adenine arabinoside (Ara-A) against herpesvirus Types 1 and 2 in tissue culture. Against established herpes virus Type 1 epithelial keratitis in rabbits, Ara-AMP 2 per cent was comparable in efficacy to Ara-A 3 per cent, and Ara-AMP 20 per cent was superior to Ara-A 3 per cent. These results are especially significant in that Ara-A's high solubility will permit (1) more concentrated formulations to be presented topically and (2) adequate absorption by parenteral routes with smaller fluid loads than required for Ara-A.