Australia could produce HSV-2 cure

Australian biotechnology company Coridon has just entered the early stage of clinical trials, to test a vaccine that would both prevent and cure Herpes Simplex 2 (HSV-2).

HSV-2, a virus which lives in the nerve cells of affected areas and typically causes sores around the genitals, cannot currently be cured and may cause recurrent outbreaks. Such outbreaks are especially likely during times of stress or lack of sleep when the immune system is weaker. It is during these times that a person is most likely to transmit the virus to others. Contracting HSV-2 also puts people at higher risk of contracting other sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. Considering an estimated half a billion people – over 7% of the world’s population – have HSV-2, the work being carried out is of great importance.

Founder of Coridon, Professor Frazer, is optimistic about their research: “This is the beginning of an exciting period for our herpes vaccine. We have seen very encouraging results from initial studies and we expect pivotal data showing that our vaccine, which incorporates our patented optimisation technology, to produce similar immune responses in the clinic.”

Currently treatment for Herpes only stops the virus from replicating rather than attacking the virus itself; while this stops the outbreak and allows healing of the area, it needs to be administered when prodromal effects (such as sciatic nerve pain or tingling sensations in the affected area) are felt to be most effective.

If you would like to know whether you have Herpes, and what type you have, then Better2Know can get you tested. If you do test positive, then our doctors can help you make informed lifestyle changes to help reduce the time between outbreaks and their severity, and minimise your chances of passing it on to others.