TheraRadar
Data updated: May 26, 2026

PENCICLOVIR

DNA Polymerase Inhibitors
Infectious Disease Approved 2022-11-09

Penciclovir is a topical cream used for recurrent cold sores, also known as herpes labialis. It helps patients who are 12 years of age or older manage these viral outbreaks. This medication is prescribed to address the symptoms and progression of the sores caused by the herpes virus.

Source: FDA Label • TORRENT • Herpesvirus Nucleoside Analog DNA Polymerase Inhibitor

How PENCICLOVIR Works

This medication works by targeting the DNA polymerase of the herpes simplex virus. As a deoxynucleoside analog, it inhibits this specific enzyme to interfere with the virus's ability to replicate. This action helps control the activity of alpha herpes viruses within the body.

Source: FDA Label
4
Indications
--
Phase 3 Trials
3
Years on Market

Details

Status
Prescription
First Approved
2022-11-09
Routes
TOPICAL
Dosage Forms
CREAM

PENCICLOVIR Approval History

2023
2024
2025
2026
Original
New Indication
New Form
Label Update
4 FDA actions from 2022 to 2025
Aug 2025 ORIGINAL
Update
Sep 2024 ORIGINAL
Update
Aug 2023 ORIGINAL
Update

What PENCICLOVIR Treats

1 indications

PENCICLOVIR is approved for 1 conditions since its original approval in 2022. These indications span multiple therapeutic areas including oncology, immunology, and more.

  • Herpes Labialis
Source: FDA Label

PENCICLOVIR Competitive Set

Pro

Three rings of competition based on shared molecular targets and treated indications.

Indication competitors

1

Same indication, different mechanism — what else might this patient receive?

Filters applied: drops same-active-ingredient (505(b)(2) reformulations), route-mismatch (topical vs systemic), and cross-therapeutic-area matches in same-indication rings.

Drugs Similar to PENCICLOVIR

FDA-approved drugs for similar conditions. Compare mechanisms and indications to understand treatment alternatives.

DENAVIR
PENCICLOVIR
1 shared
Viatris
Shared indications:
Herpes Labialis
FAMCICLOVIR
FAMCICLOVIR
1 shared
MACLEODS PHARMS LTD
Shared indications:
Herpes Labialis
XERESE
ACYCLOVIR
1 shared
BAUSCH
Shared indications:
Herpes Labialis
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Clinical Trial Registry

1 trials
Trial Sponsor ID Phase Status Title
NCT00820534 results posted FPP4-DE-401 Ph 4 completed A Comparative Study of the Efficacy of Penciclovir 10mg/g (1%) Cream in Preventing the Appearance of Classical Lesion in Recurrent Cold Sore Sufferers
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Active Pipeline

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Ongoing clinical trials by development phase

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Key Completed Trials

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Completed studies with published results, ranked by significance

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Trial Timeline

Full development history with FDA approval milestones

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Understanding FDA Approval Types
Count Type What it means
- ORIG Original approval - drug first enters market
- SUPPL - Efficacy New indication (new disease/condition approved)
- SUPPL - Labeling Label text changes (warnings, dosing updates)
- SUPPL - Manufacturing Production changes (new facility)
- SUPPL - Chemistry Formulation changes (new dosage strength)

Green lines in the timeline show ORIG and Efficacy approvals - the clinically meaningful milestones.

PENCICLOVIR FDA Label Details

Indications & Usage

PENCICLOVIR is indicated for the treatment of Herpes Labialis.

Looking for the branded version?

DENAVIR

Full clinical data, patents, trials, and competitive landscape for penciclovir.

See DENAVIR

Data Sources

Data sourced from official FDA and NIH databases. Click links to verify on original sources.