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New Ways to Cure Herpes

While there is currently no cure for herpes, there is progress being made blocking transmission of the virus. Several new drugs are under development that will work to inhibit the herpes simplex virus (HSV) from being passed between individuals. Other treatments may stop the virus from replicating and reproducing.

  1. Microbicides

    • Microbicides are new drugs that may be useful as a preventative treatment measure against the contraction of herpes. Microbicides inhibit attachment by viral agents to the host cells, and can effectively form a barrier against herpes transmission. Topical microbicides are currently being tested for blocking transmission of the HSV virus that causes herpes, and researchers will examine the effectiveness of microbicides against the herpes virus.

    Herpes Vaccination

    • According to herpes.com, a new vaccine for herpes is currently in development, and being tested by GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals. The drug, called HERPEVAC, may be available for women in as little as three to five years, but will only work for those not infected with the herpes virus previously. Isoniplex is another experimental drug that is available in some countries, but is still in trial stages in the United States. It helps to induce an immune system response against viral infection. Take precautions when considering drugs from outside the United States that have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

    Gene Targeting Therapy

    • The University of Florida has been studying a new approach to the battle against the herpes virus. This method, called gene targeting, involves using a ribonucleic acid enzyme to stop some herpes virus strains from maturing and releasing viral particles. Although the therapy has shown some success in laboratory animals, it has not yet been tested on humans. Current herpes medicines work by inhibiting the virus from replicating itself while decreasing the severity of herpes outbreaks. Stay informed about the progress of gene targeting therapy and ask your doctor about any associated treatments.

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