Give Today and Join the Fight →

Every donation – whether $10 or $10,000 – moves us closer to a world where herpes is effectively treated and free from stigma.

Questions about giving? Contact us at info@herpescureadvocacy.com or 302-307-3560.

The post Publication: Use of Herpes Simplex Virus Type-1 and Type-2 Antibody Tests for Targeted Screening for Genital Herpes appeared first on Herpes Cure Advocacy.

In this educational presentation, hosted by the Herpes Cure Advocacy (HCA), we will explore the full journey of drug development — from early discovery and laboratory research to clinical trials and regulatory approval — with a specific focus on antiviral and antiherpetic therapies.

Attendees will gain insight into the unique scientific and biological challenges that herpes simplex virus presents, including drug resistance, viral latency, and limitations of existing treatments. The presentation will also examine real-world case studies, tracing the development pathway of established antivirals such as valacyclovir (Valtrex) and reviewing emerging therapies including Pritelivir, IM-250, ABI-5366, and ABI-1179.

This session is designed for researchers, healthcare professionals, advocates, and community members who want a deeper understanding of why progress can be slow — and what success can look like when science, persistence, and collaboration align.

Speaker:

Luis Schang, MV, PhD

Date & Time:

Tuesday, January 13

6:00pm EST

Registration:

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/_6eimmORTaSK2Z6QFIC4Nw#/registration

The post From Discovery to Cure: Understanding the Complex Path of Antiherpetic Drug Development appeared first on Herpes Cure Advocacy.

There’s major progress happening in the fight against HSV-2. Assembly Biosciences (ASMB) has reported very promising interim results from two Phase 1b clinical studies testing their new investigational treatments for recurrent genital herpes — ABI-1179 and ABI-5366.

Here’s what stood out:

Key Clinical Results

ABI-1179 (weekly oral dosing):

91% reduction in confirmed genital lesions 99%+ drop in high-viral-load samples (the ones most linked to transmission) Well-tolerated up to 50 mg weekly

ABI-5366 (monthly dosing):

76% reduction in HSV-2 shedding 88% fewer genital lesions vs placebo Strong antiviral effects even with monthly dosing Weekly dosing cohorts previously showed up to 94% less shedding and 97% fewer lesions

Both treatments remain investigational, and more research is needed — but these results are some of the most encouraging we’ve seen in years for HSV-2 therapies.

Why This Matters

Current HSV treatments manage symptoms — they don’t target viral shedding in an impactful new way. These early results suggest a potential shift in how herpes could be treated in the future.

Gilead also holds the option to license and advance these drugs, meaning we could see larger trials and faster development pathways.

About the Company

Assembly Biosciences is a clinical-stage biotech company focused on antiviral therapeutics. While they are still early in development and working toward profitability, they maintain strong liquidity and ongoing partnerships. Like all biotech companies, progress depends heavily on clinical trial outcomes — but this update is a meaningful step forward.

Important Note

These medications are not yet approved anywhere in the world. More studies are needed to confirm safety, effectiveness, and long-term outcomes.

This is a huge moment for anyone affected by HSV — patients, advocates, researchers, and communities everywhere who have been waiting for innovation in this space.

If you want to stay updated on this research and other advancements, feel free to follow or share this post with others who could benefit.

https://herpescureadvocacy.com/get-involved/

The post 🚨 Big News in Herpes Research: Promising Phase 1b Results from Assembly Biosciences 🚨 appeared first on Herpes Cure Advocacy.

Herpes Cure Advocacy is advocating to make the neonatal herpes infection reportable via a recommendation from the Committee of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE).

Neonatal herpes is a rare disease that usually results from exposure to HSV in the maternal genital tract during delivery.  Data from a study from Dr. David Kimberlin at the University of Alabama at Birmingham of the period 2009-2015 showed a rate of 1 case in every 1,900 live births, translating to approximately 2,000 babies born with neonatal HSV each year in the United States.  Based on recent data from the CDC, case rates for neonatal HSV are increasing.  CDC data also detail the high burden and cost (over $100,000 per case) of newborns impacted by herpes.  This is especially unacceptable since these infections are preventable.  

Changing public health guidelines to make a condition reportable is a long process involving recommendations from public health experts, and coordination between the CSTE and CDC. In this multiple step process to make a condition reportable, the CSTE STI committee must first issue a position statement about the importance of neonatal herpes and the rationale and public health benefit of reporting it via public health tracking systems similar to influenza, Covid-19, and other neonatal conditions.

After a position statement is issued, the CSTE will vote on changes to their recommendations in their annual meeting, which will occur next year in 2026.

Herpes simplex virus is a rare cause of disease in neonates, but one with significant morbidity and mortality.  Approximately 2,000 infants in the United States are impacted by neonatal HSV every year.  While there have been advances in treatment over the years, still over 100 babies die from neonatal HSV and 250 survivors are left with significant neurologic damage each year.  But these statistics are really only estimates.  Until neonatal herpes is a reportable disease, the true extent of damage inflicted upon these babies is simply not known.  We must urge public health leaders to make N-HSV reportable, both to improve our maternal health infrastructure and prevent more families from being impacted.

Dr. David W. Kimberlin, MD
Professor of Pediatrics
The University of Alabama at Birmingham

How to help?

Send Emails! A CALL TO ACTION for those who want to support this effort can email the CSTE  organizational leaders. Advocates can contact the CSTE Board Leadership or CSTE board president.

Learn more about the justification to make Neonatal Herpes a reportable condition.

Join our n-HSV task force!

Give Today and Join the Fight →

Every donation – whether $10 or $10,000 – moves us closer to a world where herpes is effectively treated and free from stigma.

Questions about giving? Contact us at info@herpescureadvocacy.com or 302-307-3560.

The post  Herpes Cure Advocacy Makes Push for Neonatal Herpes as Reportable Condition appeared first on Herpes Cure Advocacy.

This year, members of Herpes Cure Advocacy attended the STI & HIV World Congress in Montréal, Canada — a global gathering of researchers, clinicians, public health leaders, and advocates dedicated to advancing sexual health. While the conference featured groundbreaking science and urgent conversations, one thing was clear: herpes still isn’t getting the attention it deserves.

Across hundreds of presentations, HSV (herpes simplex virus) was mentioned far less than other infections, despite its global prevalence and impact. A few notable exceptions stood out:

• Several symposia included HSV in broader discussions about vaccines, though these mostly reviewed existing knowledge rather than unveiling new trial results.
• A small number of posters addressed HSV, including two from HCA. One attendee at our neonatal HSV poster pointed out that this important topic still lags far behind the visibility of congenital syphilis or perinatal HIV.

• HSV also had a presence on the panel “No Shame in This Game: Using Filmmaking and Storytelling to Combat STI Stigma,” featuring Dr. Ina Park, Courtney Brame (Something Positive for Positive People), and filmmaker Jolene Hernandez, whose documentary No Shame in This Game spotlights the voices of people living with herpes.

While herpes representation in the scientific program was modest, our booth told a different story.

The HCA booth was one of the more well-attended, drawing steady interest from attendees of diverse backgrounds. Our interactive HSV trivia game quickly became a crowd favorite, with participants eager to test their knowledge and learn more. Many people started with only basic understanding of herpes, but the trivia — paired with explanations of correct answers — turned the game into a great educational experience.

The HSV keychains and pins we handed out were an unexpected hit. By the end of the conference, they could be spotted on lanyards and backpacks throughout the venue — and even around downtown Montréal. These small symbols became a visible reminder that herpes is part of the conversation, even when it’s overlooked in the formal agenda.

What we learned:

• There is interest in herpes — people will engage when given the opportunity.
• The scientific community still needs more dedicated research, funding, and discussion around HSV.
• Creative approaches like trivia, storytelling, and visual symbols work to spark awareness and reduce stigma.

Our work is far from done.
If we want herpes to be a priority at conferences like this — and in public health conversations worldwide — we need more advocates, more voices, and more visibility. HCA will continue to push for herpes research, better treatments, and ultimately a cure, but we can’t do it alone.

Now, more than ever, we need a stronger, louder community standing with us. Whether it’s sharing your story, supporting our initiatives, or helping us show up at global health events, your voice matters.

Together, we can ensure herpes is no longer an afterthought — but a central part of the conversation.

The post Herpes Cure Advocacy Attends the 2025 STI & HIV World Congress appeared first on Herpes Cure Advocacy.

Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats

CRISPR is an exciting new tool that scientists have used to edit genomes. It was discovered that different bacteria use CRISPR to defend themselves against viral infections, and we have now adopted similar techniques for an array of diseases. Currently, CRISPR is being used to remove the genetic mutations that lead to blood disorders such as sickle cell disease. CRISPR has also been used to remove viral DNA from human cells, including HIV.

Here is how that can work to combat herpes:

1. CRISPR functions like a pair of scissors that only cut when activated.
2. The CRISPR scissors activate when they recognize a very specific genetic sequence.
3. When programed to recognize the genetic material of herpes virus, the CRISPR scissors can then cut out those genes, preventing viral reactivation.

It’s important to remember that while there is no CRISPR tool available for HSV yet, every CRISPR breakthrough elsewhere builds the foundation for HSV progress.

The post CRISPR and Herpes appeared first on Herpes Cure Advocacy.

Here are our key takeaways from the study “Association between herpes simplex virus type 1 and the risk of Alzheimer’s disease: a retrospective case–control study” published in BMJ Open on May 20, 2025.

READ STUDY HERE.

Herpes Cure Advocacy welcomes the findings of this new retrospective case–control study as further confirmation of the urgent need to elevate herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) as a public health priority. The study’s conclusion—that HSV-1 infection is significantly associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease—reinforces growing evidence that chronic viral infections may play a key role in neurodegenerative processes. For decades, HSV-1 has been underestimated and stigmatized, limiting public and scientific discourse. Yet, research like this highlights the virus’s broader systemic implications and the potential for prevention or mitigation through early detection, therapeutic intervention, or even vaccination. This study deepens the case for investing in herpes cure research—not only to address the direct symptoms and stigma of the disease, but also to understand its possible contribution to other health issues such as long-term cognitive decline. It is a call for collaborative, multidisciplinary research that includes the voices of patients and advocates. 

Scientific Implications

• Supports the viral hypothesis of Alzheimer’s disease, particularly the role of HSV-1 in neuroinflammation and amyloid-beta plaque formation.
  
• Suggests antiherpetic therapy might be a preventive strategy for AD in HSV-1 positive patients.

• Causality not established—only associations shown.
  
• Reinforces the need for further research, including prospective studies and mechanistic investigations.

Study Objective

• Investigate the association between herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) using large-scale U.S. administrative claims data.
  
• Assess whether antiherpetic medications reduce the risk of AD among those diagnosed with HSV-1.

Study Design

• Retrospective matched case–control study using the IQVIA PharMetrics Plus claims database.
  
• Included 344,628 matched pairs (AD patients vs. controls), aged ≥50 years.
  
• Matched on age, sex, region, database entry year, and healthcare visit frequency.
  
• Analysis also extended to AD-related dementias (ADRD) and other herpesviruses.

Key Findings

1. HSV-1 significantly increases AD risk:
   
   • HSV-1 diagnosis was more common in AD patients (0.44%) vs. controls (0.24%).
     
   • Adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.80 (95% CI: 1.65 to 1.96), indicating an 80% increased risk of AD in HSV-1 patients.
     
2. Risk increases with age:
   
   • Stronger association in older age groups (75+ years: OR = 2.10).
     
3. Antiherpetic medication may reduce AD risk:
   
   • Among HSV-1 patients, those who took antiherpetic drugs had a 17% lower risk of developing AD.
     
   • Adjusted hazard ratio (HR) = 0.83 (95% CI: 0.74 to 0.92).
     
4. Other herpesviruses:
   
   • HSV-2 and VZV were also associated with increased AD risk.
     
   • CMV showed no significant association.
     
   • COPD (a non-infectious comparator) was more common in controls.

Study Limitations

• Asymptomatic HSV-1 infections likely underreported.
  
• Possible diagnosis misclassification for both HSV and early AD.
  
• Claims data may miss older adults (65+) covered by Medicare.
  
• Importantly, causality is not established—only associations shown.
  

NOTE: As of May 2025, Gilead is supporting two Phase 1 clinical trials for two different antiviral therapies. 

Disclaimer: This post was drafted by the HCA team with the support of ChatGPT.

The post 2025 Gilead-Funded Study Supports Hypothesis that HSV-1 Significantly Increases Alzheimer’s Disease Risk appeared first on Herpes Cure Advocacy.

How Herpes Hides

The post Viral Latency & Triggers: Beyond the Basics appeared first on Herpes Cure Advocacy.

Herpes Cure Advocacy experts are available to speak to the press about ongoing herpes vaccine and cure research, patient advocacy efforts, and herpes diagnosis and treatment.

Contact media@herpescureadvocacy.com

Herpes Cure Advocacy in the News

Press release: Herpes Cure Pipeline 4.0

Notice: HCA Advocates for Neonatal Herpes to be a Reportable Condition

Herpes Research News

HCA Article: Association between Herpes Simplex I and Dementia

The post Press Updates appeared first on Herpes Cure Advocacy.

Herpes can lead to serious and sometimes fatal complications during pregnancy. Newborn babies infected with herpes do not have an immune system ready to control the infection. For that reason, preventing the spread of herpes to the baby is essential.

Question: I’ve never had herpes before… should I get tested?

Answer: You do not need to be tested for herpes if you have no history of herpes and you do not have symptoms. That is because: 1) there are high rates of false positive results for those tests, 2) for women without a history of herpes there is no known benefit to providing treatment, and 3) most cases of neonatal herpes occur among babies who’s mother’s became infected during pregnancy.

Question: I’ve had herpes before, what does that mean for my pregnancy?

Answer: Pregnant women who have a history of herpes can and should be offered treatment to suppress the herpes virus. Suppression is an effective way to prevent the virus from infecting the baby. Your doctor may recommend starting treatment as early as 36 weeks’ gestation.

Question: I have a herpes outbreak and I’m going into labor. What does that mean?

Answer: Herpes is spread to the baby through active lesions. For that reason, vaginal deliveries are generally not recommended when lesions are present. Your doctor may recommend a cesarian section (or C-section), which prevents infection in your baby.

If you’re interested in learning more, here are a few useful sources:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Genital Herpes During Pregnancy
• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: Frequently Asked Questions and Practice Bulletin

The post Herpes and Pregnancy appeared first on Herpes Cure Advocacy.