In vitro inhibitory activity against HPV of the monoterpenoid zinc tetra-ascorbo-camphorate.

Zinc tetra-ascorbo-camphorate (or drug "C14") is a synthetic monoterpenoid derivative that has potent anti-HIV-1 activity in vitro. In this study, we evaluated the in vitro antiviral properties of C14 against human papillomavirus (HPV). Inhibition assay of HPV-16-pseudovirus (PsVs) adsorption on COS-7 cells by C14 was used.

Pre-clinical development as microbicide of zinc tetra-ascorbo-camphorate, a novel terpenoid derivative: potent in vitro inhibitory activity against both R5- and X4-tropic HIV-1 strains without significant in vivo mucosal toxicity.

Background: Terpenoid derivatives originating from many plants species, are interesting compounds with numerous biological effects, such as anti-HIV-1 activity. The zinc tetra-ascorbo-camphorate complex (or "C14"), a new monoterpenoid derivative was evaluated in vitro for its anti-HIV-1 activity on both R5- and X4-HIV-1 infection of primary target cells (macrophages, dendritic cells and T cells) and on HIV-1 transfer from dendritic cells to T cells.

Results: The toxicity study was carried out in vitro and also with the New Zealand White rabbit vaginal irritation model.