While there is still no cure for herpes in 2025, there is tremendous momentum in the research and development of new treatments and vaccines.
Several promising vaccine contenders are being decided in clinical trials, and new therapeutic strategies, up to and including gene editing, look promising. However, no drug or therapy has been authorised by regulatory bodies such as the US FDA.
Current Herpes Treatment and Management
1. Antiviral Medications
The currently available antiviral drugs for the treatment of herpes include acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir. These drugs can lessen the severity and duration of outbreaks, but they’re not a cure.
2. Symptom Management
Several over-the-counter pain relievers, cool compresses and other home remedies can ease symptoms during outbreaks.
Emerging Therapies and Vaccines
1. Gene Editing
At Fred Hutchinson Cancer Centre, researchers are investigating genetic editing technologies, such as CRISPR, to eliminate the virus’s DNA from infected cells.
2. mRNA Vaccines
Companies like Moderna, for example, are working on mRNA-based vaccines (including something called mRNA-1608) that are currently being tested for safety and efficacy.
Other Vaccine Candidates
Several other vaccine prospects are in different phases of development and use other technologies, such as DNA, modified mRNA, protein subunits and weakened, live viruses.
1. Ruvidar(TM)
Theralase® Technologies Inc. is researching a novel therapy referred to as Ruvidar(TM), which, based on in vitro preclinical studies, could provide a more effective solution than current antiviral therapies.
2. ABI-5366
Assembly Biosciences is developing ABI-5366, a helicase-primase inhibitor, that may represent a new genital herpes treatment option with both monthly and weekly dosing.
Challenges and Future Directions
1. Long-term Latency
The herpes virus can go dormant in nerve cells for long stretches at a time, so that a paint- or pill-applied medication probably won’t be able to kill it.
2. Clinical Trial Success
Preclinical research, however, moves on to clinical trials very sluggishly, with a massive loss in the proportion of successful clinical vary as the drug progresses through phases.
3. Regulatory Approval
Despite promising results, it can be a matter of years before a new treatment is approved by regulators and widely available.
So, Was a Cure for Herpes Found? In conclusion, there is no cure for herpes so far, but new drugs and vaccines provide hope.
New treatments and vaccines are in the pipeline, and scientists are investigating new ways of protecting individuals, including gene editing. The journey to a cure is long, but strides are being made that could one day lead to the eradication of herpes.
