Lysine is an amino acid commonly found as a component of total parenteral nutrition. Lysine (abbreviated as Lys or K) is an α-amino acid with the chemical formula HO2CCH(NH2)(CH2)4NH2.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed
Proteins of the herpes simplex virus are rich in L-arginine, and tissue culture studies indicate an enhancing effect on viral replication when the amino acid ratio of L-arginine to lysine is high in the tissue culture media. When the ratio of L-lysine to L-arginine is high, viral replication and the cytopathogenicity of herpes simplex virus have been found to be inhibited. L-lysine may facilitate the absorption of calcium from the small intestine.
- Primary indication
- Supplemental lysine has putative anti-herpes simplex virus activity.Curator reviewed · 6 structured indications
- Formula / weight
- C6H14N2O2 · 146.1876 g/mol (avg)
- First approval
- Canada, 1997 · United States, 1971 · European Union, 2020
- Also known as
- L-Lysine · Lysine acid
- Brand names
Resolves to
KDXKERNSBIXSRK-YFKPBYRVSA-NSMILESNCCCC[C@H](N)C(O)=OWhat you can answer from here — as of September 12, 2026
Which drugs share a target with Lysine, and which of those have an active Phase 3 trial?
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