New Clinical Trials for Genital Herpes

Clinical trials for genital herpes are improving the treatments available for this sexually transmitted disease (STD). Some researchers are working out better ways to use contemporary therapies, others are gaining a deeper understanding the herpes simplex virus (HSV).

Recently, scientists discovered the proteins (enzymes) and genes that the virus survives on. Future genital herpes research will focus on developing better medications that disrupt these viral targets. This could lead to better symptoms management or a cure in time.

If you’ve been diagnosed with genital herpes, you can take an active role in your health care by participating in clinical trials. Below you’ll find a running list of active genital herpes clinical trials from around the country. Learn which studies are happening near you and what you’ll need to know prior to enrollment.

What is Genital Herpes?

Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted disease that can infect men and women. Symptoms associated with this STD include itching, pain and sores around the genitals. It is also not uncommon for infected persons to display no physical symptoms. People with genital herpes can infect others even in the absence of visible sores.

This STD is the product of the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Most cases are contracted via unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected person. The virus remains dormant immediately after contraction but can reactivate a few times each year. Some people end up spreading this STD because they are unaware there is anything wrong.

There is still no cure for genital herpes, but these treatments are used to manage the symptoms and limit the risk of exposure to others. The CDC and the NIAID also strongly recommends that infected persons use some form of protection during sexual intercourse.

Genital Herpes Treatment

People who have been diagnosed with genital herpes are going to prescribed some form of antiviral medication. The following are all used for this STD:

• Famciclovir (Famvir)
• Acyclovir (Zovirax)
• Valacyclovir (Valtrex)

Doctors may tell their patients to only take the medication during a herpes outbreak (symptoms flare). Otherwise, patients will need to take their medicine regularly — even if the virus is dormant. This should minimize the risk of recurrent herpes outbreaks.