Amenamevir is an antiviral agent primarily used in the treatment of herpesvirus infections, particularly varicella-zoster virus (VZV), which causes shingles and chickenpox. It works by inhibiting viral DNA replication through selective targeting of the viral helicase-primase complex, a key enzyme required for viral genome synthesis. This mechanism reduces viral load and helps shorten the duration of symptoms such as skin lesions and pain associated with acute herpes zoster. Due to its targeted action and favorable safety profile, amenamevir is used in adult patients to improve clinical outcomes with once-daily dosing, offering a convenient treatment option compared to older antivirals. It is not typically used for herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections, as its efficacy is more pronounced against VZV.