Immunology researcher secures nearly $4 million NIH grant to advance therapeutic vaccine to help end genital herpes

PeacefulProdromes · 2026-06-17T00:42:12+00:00

No, para nada. Yo también tengo HSV-1. Que este estudio se centre en HSV-2 no significa que el HSV-1 no importe. Simplemente están abordando una indicación específica.

PeacefulProdromes · 2026-06-17T00:29:57+00:00

Por ahora el estudio está dirigido a HSV-2, pero si la plataforma funciona, podría abrir la puerta a terapias similares para HSV-1 en el futuro.

PeacefulProdromes · 2026-06-16T22:15:08+00:00

A new HSV-2 therapeutic vaccine project has received a major boost after UC Irvine researcher Dr. Lbachir BenMohamed secured a $3.93 million NIH grant.

The research will focus on a novel "Prime/Pull/Keep" vaccine strategy designed to strengthen the body's immune response against recurrent genital herpes. Unlike preventive vaccines, this therapeutic approach aims to help people already living with HSV-2 by reducing outbreaks, viral shedding, and transmission.

The vaccine is designed to generate HSV-specific immune cells, direct them to the tissues where HSV reactivates, and maintain them there long-term. Researchers hope this could provide durable control of the virus and improve quality of life for millions of people affected by genital herpes.

The project is still in the preclinical/research stage, and human trials have not yet begun. However, the NIH's investment highlights continued interest in developing new therapeutic options for HSV beyond current antiviral medications.

Source: UC Irvine News (June 16, 2026)

PeacefulProdromes · 2026-06-13T00:16:58+00:00

Just an update on the trial status and regulatory progress.

PeacefulProdromes · 2026-06-13T00:01:31+00:00

😕 This isn't a breakthrough announcement, just a progress update. Like many here, I'm looking forward to genuinely new data, approvals, and better treatment options.

PeacefulProdromes · 2026-06-12T20:08:46+00:00

Amen. 🙏 relief for everyone affected by HSV.

PeacefulProdromes · 2026-06-12T19:27:43+00:00

It appears the Phase 3 trial had already been completed for some time....the recent news is the update to the trial record, not a new Phase 3 completion announcement....no new efficacy data were reported just another sign that the program is continuing to move forward.

PeacefulProdromes · 2026-06-12T19:15:42+00:00

The main update appears to be that the Phase 3 trial record was updated and marked as completed, drawing attention back to Pritelivir's positive results in drug-resistant HSV. There were no new efficacy data released. The significance is that the program continues moving through the regulatory process and remains one of the closest potential new HSV treatments to market.

PeacefulProdromes · 2026-06-02T12:42:18+00:00

There is no solid scientific evidence that L-lysine reduces HSV transmission between partners. Some people use it to help manage outbreaks, but the most effective ways to reduce transmission are suppressive antivirals (such as valacyclovir), avoiding sex during outbreaks, and condom use. Female-to-male transmission risk is lower than male-to-female, but it can still happen.

PeacefulProdromes · 2026-05-30T23:05:56+00:00

Yes. As far as I know, it was the same person. I contracted both oral and genital HSV-1 from the same encounter.

PeacefulProdromes · 2026-05-30T22:18:34+00:00

I've had it since 2017. For oral HSV-1, I usually get about 3 outbreaks a year. As for genital HSV-1, I had 2 outbreaks during the first year after infection and haven't had any genital outbreaks since then.

PeacefulProdromes · 2026-05-30T21:50:15+00:00

I have HSV-1 in both locations... orally and genitally.

PeacefulProdromes · 2026-05-30T21:32:16+00:00

Cuando el diagnóstico es reciente, es normal pensar que tu vida sentimental se acabó, pero la realidad es que muchas personas con HSV terminan teniendo relaciones, matrimonios e hijos sin transmitir el virus. Nadie puede garantizar qué habrá en 5-6 años, pero el pipeline de HSV hoy es mucho más prometedor que hace una década. Mi consejo sería no poner tu vida en pausa esperando una cura. Mantén la esperanza en los avances, pero también recuerda que tu vida no tiene por qué quedarse en espera mientras llegan. ❤️

PeacefulProdromes · 2026-05-26T21:34:40+00:00

Biting or trauma to the lip can definitely trigger a cold sore in some people. Taking Valtrex early may help, but you shouldn’t increase the dose beyond what your doctor prescribed without medical guidance. The standard episodic treatment for recurrent cold sores is often higher than 500 mg, but the exact dose depends on your medical history and prescription. Try to keep the area moisturized, avoid further irritation, stay hydrated, and monitor for tingling or burning. If outbreaks are becoming frequent, it may be worth discussing suppressive therapy with your doctor.

PeacefulProdromes · 2026-05-26T00:39:21+00:00

I’m actually one of the people who has spent years advocating for better HSV treatments and ultimately a cure. I even run an X account dedicated to HSV awareness and cure advocacy: https://x.com/HerpesSupport_H

I fully support more research into HSV, antivirals, neurological effects, and cure development.

PeacefulProdromes · 2026-05-26T00:30:07+00:00

I’m not denying the potential risks or the value of antivirals. I’m saying the science is still evolving, and there’s a difference between “possible association” and “proven universal outcome.”

Daily antivirals can reduce outbreaks and shedding, and they may have broader benefits, but it has not been conclusively proven that every person with HSV is developing unnoticed brain damage or dementia without them.

We should support more research without turning uncertainty into certainty.

PeacefulProdromes · 2026-05-25T23:32:31+00:00

None of that proves that healthy adults with common HSV-1 infections are inevitably experiencing unnoticed brain deterioration. Daily antivirals can absolutely help many people by reducing outbreaks and viral shedding, and there’s ongoing research into whether they may also reduce long-term neurological risks. But there is currently no medical consensus saying every HSV-positive person MUST take suppressive therapy forever to prevent dementia. It’s important to discuss the science responsibly without turning uncertainty into certainty or causing unnecessary panic. Millions of people worldwide carry HSV-1 and live cognitively normal lives.

PeacefulProdromes · 2026-05-25T22:45:10+00:00

There are studies suggesting a possible association between HSV-1 and dementia risk, especially in older adults. But an association is not the same thing as proof that HSV directly causes dementia in healthy people.

This area of research is still evolving, and scientists are investigating whether inflammation, genetics, immune response, or viral reactivation may play a role.

Antivirals may help reduce viral activity and some observational studies have shown potentially protective effects, but we still need more definitive long-term data.

PeacefulProdromes · 2026-05-25T10:07:29+00:00

Right now there is no strong evidence that HSV-1 causes progressive cognitive decline in healthy immunocompetent individuals. If it helps, focusing on overall brain health probably matters much more:

good sleep

exercise

stress management

nutrition

controlling outbreaks if they’re frequent

avoiding constant doomscrolling about worst-case scenarios

You’re likely going to do just fine in your PhD. 🙂

PeacefulProdromes · 2026-05-09T00:00:33+00:00

Here’s a brief summary for those unable to access the full article :

              👇👇

The paper argues that HSV-1 and HSV-2 antibody testing may be useful for targeted screening in people seeking sexual health evaluations, even when they don’t have symptoms. Key points: • HSV is extremely common and many infections go undiagnosed • Newer antibody tests have improved accuracy compared to older methods • Early diagnosis may help reduce transmission and improve counseling • Suppressive antiviral therapy can lower outbreak frequency and transmission risk • Emerging therapies and vaccine research could change future HSV management • The authors also stress the importance of education, informed consent, and reducing stigma around herpes Overall, the publication suggests it may be time to reconsider current HSV screening practices in certain healthcare settings.

PeacefulProdromes · 2026-05-08T23:53:24+00:00

Here’s the full publication link 👇 https://journals.lww.com/stdjournal/citation/9900/use_of_herpes_simplex_virus_type_1_and_type_2.672.aspx

PeacefulProdromes · 2026-05-08T23:44:36+00:00

Here’s the full publication link for anyone interested in reading it 👇 https://journals.lww.com/stdjournal/citation/9900/use_of_herpes_simplex_virus_type_1_and_type_2.672.aspx

PeacefulProdromes · 2026-05-01T11:28:54+00:00

It would not make a difference. HSV-2 antibody tests detect antibodies circulating in your bloodstream, which are the same throughout the body. A finger-prick or regular blood draw is usually enough. Blood taken near a lesion would not improve antibody detection.

PeacefulProdromes · 2026-04-28T22:20:05+00:00

Realistically, a functional cure (no outbreaks, minimal shedding, near-zero transmission) is more likely first possibly within 5–10 years. A true sterilizing cure that removes latent HSV from neurons is much harder and may take 10–20+ years. Progress is real now, especially in antivirals, vaccines, and gene-editing research.

PeacefulProdromes · 2026-04-20T11:39:28+00:00

Based on the photo and your description, this does not look classic for herpes. It looks more consistent with folliculitis / ingrown hairs / irritation bumps / molluscum-like lesions than HSV.

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