Evaluation of ODE-Bn-PMEG, an acyclic nucleoside phosphonate prodrug, as an antiviral against productive HPV infection in 3D organotypic epithelial cultures

- ODE-Bn-PMEG abolishes human papillomavirus productive infection in 3D cultures of primary human keratinocytes (PHKs).
- Incorporation of activated ODE-Bn-PMEG into replicating DNA causes DNA breaks and abolishes viral activities.
- ODE-Bn-PMEG induces apoptosis selectively in HPV-infected, differentiated keratinocytes while sparing uninfected tissues.
- Cidofovir, which is used to treat human cytomegalovirus retinitis, neither induces apoptosis nor abolishes HPV activity.
- With its efficacy, selectivity and mechanism of action, ODE-Bn-PMEG strongly merits further development and clinical trials.