Bupropion to treat viral diseases

Abstract

Disclosed is a method and composition for the treatment and prevention of a viral infection in a human or animal subject by administering bupropion or a physiologically acceptable salt, solvate or enantiomer thereof. Preferably, the virus is a virus of the Herpes family or condition caused thereby, particularly HSV1 or HSV2.

I claim:  
     
         1 . A method of treating or preventing a viral infection comprising administering an effective amount of bupropion or a physiologically acceptable salt, solvate or enantiomer of bupropion to an animal in need thereof.  
     
     
         2 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the viral infection is caused by a virus selected from the group consisting of Herpes zoster, Herpes Simplex Virus type 1, Herpes Simplex Virus type 2, Herpes labialis, human and marine cytomegalovirus, Varicella zoster virus, Epstein barr virus and human herpes viruses, types 6 and 8.  
     
     
         3 . A method according to  claim 1  or  2  wherein the bupropion is administered in an amount from about 0.1 mg to about 500 mg per unit dose.  
     
     
         4 . A method according to  claim 3  wherein the bupropion is administered in an amount from about 25 mg to about 300 mg per unit dose.  
     
     
         5 . A method according to  claim 3  wherein the bupropion is administered in an amount from about 50 mg to about 150 mg per unit dose.  
     
     
         6 . A method according to  claim 3  wherein the effective amount of bupropion is from about 50 to 2000 mg.  
     
     
         7 . A method according to  claim 3  wherein the effective amount of bupropion is from about 300 to 1200 mg.  
     
     
         8 . A method according to  claim 6  wherein the effective amount of bupropion is administered in at least two doses.  
     
     
         9 . A method according to  claim 6  wherein the effective amount of bupropion is administered in at least four doses.  
     
     
         10 . A method according to  claim 1  or  2  wherein the animal is a human.  
     
     
         11 . The method according to  claim 1  or  2  wherein the effective amount of bupropion is formulated as an oral dosage form.  
     
     
         12 . The method according to  claim 1  or  2  wherein the bupropion is administered in combination with another antiviral agent.  
     
     
         13 . The method according to  claim 12  wherein the antiviral agent is acyclovir.