Disclosed are novel prodrugs represented by the following structural formula: ##STR1## Z is oxygen or sulfur; Y is, together with a hydroxy group, acyclovir or an analog of acyclovir; A is a substituted benzyl group with one or more protected hydroxy or protected amine groups in the ortho or para positions, relative to the phosphate ester, which can be converted in vivo to a hydroxy or amino group. Also disclosed is a method of treating a viral infection in an individual or animal. The method comprises administering to the individual or animal a therapeutically effective amount of a prodrug represented by structural formula shown above.
RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a divisional of U.S. Ser. No. 09/079,647, filed May 15, 1998, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 09/050,220, filed Mar. 27, 1998, now abandoned which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 08/857,150, filed May 15, 1997; now abandoned the entire teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference.
