Experimental Molecule Shows Promise as First Targeted Antiviral for Cutaneous HPV

Overview

• A high-throughput screen of over 1,500 compounds from the NCI Diversity Set VI led University of Tartu scientists to NSC51349 as a lead candidate
• NSC51349 disrupts the transcriptional activity of the viral E2 protein, halting replication of skin-infecting HPV types 5, 8 and 38
• In vitro studies demonstrated that the compound significantly reduced viral loads in keratinocytes and U2OS cells without compromising host cell viability
• Current HPV vaccines do not protect against cutaneous strains, leaving immunocompromised patients at risk for persistent infections and non-melanoma skin cancers
• The research team is optimizing dosage and launching animal testing to assess NSC51349’s safety and efficacy ahead of potential clinical trials