The persisting question: What factors prevent a herpes cure from being developed?
In the ongoing battle against herpes simplex virus (HSV), scientists are making significant strides, focusing on new antiviral compounds and gene-targeting approaches. However, as of mid-2025, a definitive cure for HSV remains unattainable.
One of the most promising avenues of research involves next-generation antiviral drugs. Innovative Molecules GmbH's IM-250, a helicase-primase inhibitor, has completed Phase 1b clinical trial enrolment for recurrent genital herpes, aiming to offer significant improvements in treatment efficacy and convenience over existing therapies. AiCuris' Pritelivir, another potent HSV replication inhibitor, has shown good safety and tolerability in trials, although it does not cure herpes, only controls it. Ruvidar demonstrates antiviral activity in animal studies and may outperform current treatments like Acyclovir, with human data pending.
Molecular and clinical advances are also underway. Assembly Biosciences is progressing with ABI-5366, a long-acting HSV-2 helicase inhibitor, currently in preclinical development to reach clinical trials soon. Other agents like BOR15001L7 are being evaluated for cold sore management in Phase 2 trials, targeting recurrent herpes labialis. A 2023 study identified a molecule effective in treating shingles lesions, with potential cross-activity against HSV infection.
Innovative approaches using the herpes virus itself are being explored, such as a genetically engineered HSV-1, repurposed as RP1, showing promise as an oncolytic virus therapy for advanced melanoma. While this does not directly relate to curing herpes infections, it reflects groundbreaking work with modified herpes viruses.
Clinical trials are underway for a new drug called pritelivir as a treatment for herpes symptoms. People with HSV-2 infection can transmit genital herpes even without symptoms, and oral contact with others or sharing objects that come into contact with saliva can transmit HSV-1. This includes performing oral sex. People with high levels of stress or trauma may experience more frequent recurrences of herpes.
Current antiviral medications to treat herpes include acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir. These drugs can help reduce the frequency and severity of symptoms and lower the chances of passing the infection on to others. Once a person gets either form of the herpes virus, they have it for life, whether or not they experience symptoms.
In severe infections or for people with compromised immune systems, doctors may prescribe intravenous (IV) medications to control the infection. The correct use of condoms and other barrier methods may help reduce the risk of spreading genital herpes. HSV-2 is most contagious during an outbreak of sores.
Research on vaccines for herpes is ongoing, but no commercially available vaccine is currently available. Pregnant people with symptoms of genital herpes should consult a healthcare professional due to the risk of neonatal herpes, a condition where a pregnant person passes the infection on to their fetus before, during, or immediately after delivery, which can have severe consequences for the infant.
Herpes is a common infection, affecting around half a billion people with genital herpes, and several billion with oral herpes (as of 2016). The HSV virus can hide in a person's nerve cells for long periods of time before reactivating, making it challenging to find a cure. Neonatal herpes is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.
If a person suspects they have herpes, they should consider seeing a doctor for diagnosis and testing. While a true herpes cure remains elusive, ongoing clinical trials are paving the way for potentially more effective and longer-acting therapies, offering hope for those affected by this widespread infection.
- In the medical-conditions category, herpes simplex virus (HSV) poses a significant challenge, and while science has advanced, a definitive cure as of mid-2025 remains elusive.
- One of the most encouraging avenues of research involves next-generation antiviral drugs, such as Innovative Molecules GmbH's IM-250 and AiCuris' Pritelivir, aiming to improve treatment efficacy and convenience over existing therapies.
- Molecular and clinical advances are also underway, with Assembly Biosciences' ABI-5366, a long-acting HSV-2 helicase inhibitor, gearing up for clinical trials.
- Other agents like BOR15001L7 are being evaluated for cold sore management, targeting recurrent herpes labialis in Phase 2 trials.
- A 2023 study identified a molecule effective in treating shingles lesions, potentially cross-active against HSV infection.
- Innovative approaches using the herpes virus itself, such as RP1, a genetically engineered HSV-1, show promise in oncolytic virus therapy for advanced melanoma.
- Clinical trials are underway for a new drug called pritelivir, which could offer relief for herpes symptoms, and safe sex practices like using condoms may help reduce the risk of transmission.
- Current antiviral medications, including acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir, can help manage symptoms and lower the chances of passing the infection to others.
- For severe infections or those with compromised immune systems, doctors may prescribe intravenous (IV) medications to control the infection.
- Pregnant people with symptoms of genital herpes should seek immediate medical attention due to the risk of neonatal herpes, a condition that can have severe consequences for the infant.
- With over half a billion people affected by genital herpes and several billion with oral herpes (as of 2016), ongoing clinical trials offer hope for more effective and longer-acting therapies in the health-and-wellness and sexual-health fields, focusing on an elusive but promising cure for this widespread infection.
