I. Zovirax Fact File
Zovirax was launched by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK).
GlaxoSmithKline is a world-leading, research-based pharmaceutical company operating in more than 100 countries and employing more than 100,000 people world-wide. GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) is a world leading research-based pharmaceutical company with a powerful combination of skills and resources that provides a platform for delivering strong growth in today's rapidly changing healthcare environment. Headquartered in the UK and with operations based in the US, the new company is one of the industry leaders, with an estimated seven per cent of the world's pharmaceutical market.
GSK has more than 20 research and development (R&D) facilities around the world, with an annual R&D budget of around $7 billion and more than 16,000 people employed in R&D.
GSK also has leadership in four major therapeutic areas - anti-infectives, central nervous system (CNS), respiratory and gastro-intestinal/metabolic. In addition, it is a leader in the important area of vaccines and has a growing portfolio of oncology products.
GSK also has a Consumer Healthcare portfolio comprising over-the-counter (OTC) medicines; oral care products and nutritional healthcare drinks, all of which are among the market leaders.
GSK's R&D is based at 24 sites in seven countries. The company has a leading position in genomics/genetics and new drug discovery technologies. The GSK R&D budget is about £2.4bn/$4bn.
II. Zovirax Medication
Zovirax medication is indicated for:
Antivirals: Information
Antiviral drugs are a class of medication used specifically for treating viral infections. Like antibiotics, specific antivirals are used for specific viruses.
Since the mid-1980s, that scenario has changed dramatically. Dozens of antiviral treatments are now available, and most medical researchers feel we are only scratching at the surface of what can be done with these new drugs.
The emergence of antivirals is the product of a greatly expanded knowledge of the genetic and molecular function of organisms, allowing biomedical researchers to understand the structure and function of viruses; major advances in the techniques for finding new drugs; and the intense pressure placed on the medical profession to deal with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the cause of the deadly acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic. Though no one could sensibly claim that AIDS has been a benefit to humankind, it has certainly done much to advance the state of antiviral technology.
Most of the antivirals now available are designed to help deal with HIV; herpes virus, which are best known for causing cold sores but actually cover a wide range of diseases; and the hepatitis B and C viruses, which can cause liver cancer. Researchers are now working to extend the range of antivirals to other families of pathogens.
Common Antivirals include:
- Valtrex (valacyclovir hydrochloride)
- Famvir (famciclovir)
- Zovirax (acyclovir)
Antiviral medications prevent the virus that causes shingles from multiplying. These medications shorten the period of rash, decrease pain during the active stage of the illness, and reduce the possibility of developing complications of shingles, such as postherpetic neuralgia [Postherpetic neuralgia is a common complication of shingles (herpes zoster)].
Antivirals may decrease the severity of shingles and speed healing. When acyclovir and famciclovir are used within 72 hours of development of shingles, these medications can significantly reduce the duration of pain associated with shingles, while valacyclovir significantly reduces the occurrence of postherpetic neuralgia.
Herpes Simplex Virus: Information
Herpes," short for herpes simplex, is a common viral infection that often causes sores or blemishes on the skin, especially on the face or in the genital area.
Herpes simplex infection on the face is most common. Its symptoms are often known as "cold sores" or "fever blisters," which typically appear on the lips or mouth.
Genital herpes," which occurs below the waist, sometimes causes sores of similar appearance, though its signs and symptoms can be quite varied.
The word "herpes" also can be used to describe a family of viruses (herpesviruses) that share certain traits. This family includes herpes simplex; varicella zoster virus (which causes "chickenpox"); Epstein-Barr virus (which causes "mononucleosis"); cytomegalovirus; and several others.
Genital herpes is an infection caused by either of two viruses, called the herpes simplex virus type 1 or more commonly the herpes simplex virus type 2. These viruses are "ancient" living forms that infect most animal species. However, HSV-1 and HSV-2 are uniquely adapted to humans. The HSV-1 virus is the cause of cold sores or fever blisters. The HSV-2 virus is the major cause of genital herpes. The two viruses have many similarities, but it is their differences that are perhaps most important.
Diagram 1: Herpes Simplex Virus The two viruses look identical by the electron microscope. However, the proteins or spikes on the outside of the two viruses differ. As such, the body recognizes the two viruses differently, hence it makes antibodies to HSV-1 and these differ from antibodies to HSV-2. This distinction is central in allowing one to develop a "blood test" or serologic assay in medical jargon for the two viruses.
Another important distinction about herpes infections is that they are chronic. Once you have the infection it is lifelong. There are therapies, but no cures. Thus, genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection one can acquire ten years previously, still have and pass on to someone else ten years after acquisition. Why is this important? Because it means you can get it from a long-standing monogamous relationship. Two people of thirty-five can be sole partners for two years and one can acquire genital herpes if one of these partners got genital herpes from another person years ago.
Diagram 2: A fever blister due to HSV-1
The two viruses look identical by the electron microscope. However, the proteins or spikes on the outside of the two viruses differ. As such, the body recognizes the two viruses differently, hence it makes antibodies to HSV-1 and these differ from antibodies to HSV-2. This distinction is central in allowing one to develop a "blood test" or serologic assay in medical jargon for the two viruses.
Another important distinction about herpes infections is that they are chronic. Once you have the infection it is lifelong. There are therapies, but no cures. Thus, genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection one can acquire ten years previously, still have and pass on to someone else ten years after acquisition. Why is this important? Because it means you can get it from a long-standing monogamous relationship. Two people of thirty-five can be sole partners for two years and one can acquire genital herpes if one of these partners got genital herpes from another person years ago.
Diagram 3: Herpes Simplex Blisters Around Mouth Region
One strain of the herpes simplex virus causes cold sores (also known as fever blisters) in and around the mouth, lips, pharynx, nose, face, and ears. The causative agent remains in the cell bodies of facial nerves, causing repeated attacks of the blisters.
Side effects of Antivirals
Antivirals have few side effects but may cause headache, nausea, and loss of appetite.
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III. Useful links
Government http://www.cdc.gov/
http://www.fda.gov/
http://www.fda.gov/cder/ogd/
http://www.nih.gov/
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi
http://www.health.gov.on.ca/
National Library of Medicine
World Health Organization
Health Sites
http://www.mayoclinic.com/index.cfm
MedicineNet.com
Drugdigest.org
Healthsquare.com
http://www.gsk.com/about/about.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antiviral
www.herpesdiagnosis.com
http://health.yahoo.com/ency/healthwise/hw75347 Pharmacy sites
http://www.roche.com/home/company/com_hist.htm
http://www.healthdigest.org/Bactrim-DS(Oral)_2006_PRO.php
http://www.hsforum.com/stories/storyReader$1509
http://www.hsforum.com/stories/storyReader$1504
http://www.people.vcu.edu/~urdesai/atc.htm#Process%20of%20clotting
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