Antiviral effects of Cacicol®, a heparan sulfate biomimetic for corneal regeneration therapy, for herpes simplex virus type-1 and varicella zoster virus infection

Cacicol^® has a significant antiviral activity on HSV-1 and VZV, but not on HAdV-D37. The lack of effect on HAdV is probably because it is less dependent on HS interactions for cell entry. Clinical studies are necessary to determine Cacicol^® for an adjunct or alternative therapy of corneal HSV-1 or VZV infection, particularly for the management of antiviral resistant HSV-1.