A515U (6-deoxyacyclovir) is an analogue of acyclovir devoid of antiviral activity in vitro but which is well absorbed and undergoes conversion to acyclovir after oral administration to rats. The tolerance and pharmacokinetics of various doses of A515U have been studied in 8 healthy volunteers. Single oral doses of 25, 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg A515U and 400 mg acyclovir for comparison were administered to the volunteers at weekly intervals. Concentrations of the parent drug and acyclovir were determined in plasma and urine. The prodrug was well tolerated and did not cause adverse reactions or changes in haematological or biochemical variables. It was well absorbed and conversion to acyclovir was rapid and extensive at all doses. Plasma concentrations of acyclovir achieved with 50 mg A515U orally were comparable to and less variable than those produced by 400 mg acyclovir. A515U was rapidly cleared with a short plasma elimination half life of approximately 0.5 h. The attainment of high plasma concentrations of acyclovir by oral administration of a prodrug may represent an important advance in antiviral chemotherapy.