Molecular model of penciclovir

Wooden molecular model of penciclovir (BRL 39123), to scale, made by Martin Cole

Penciclovir is an anti-viral treatment, used for cold sores around the mouth. Cold sores are caused by a virus known as herpes simplex. First launched in the UK in 1996, it was developed by a team of scientists working at Beecham, including Martin Cole.

Martin Cole was a microbial biochemist at Beecham Research Laboratories at Brockham Park, Surrey. He was involved in the research and discovery of semisynthetic penicillins such as amoxycillin and was co-inventor of Augmentin (co-amoxiclav), an antitbiotic.