Ongoing Clinical Trials for Herpes Virus Infection
There is currently 1 ongoing clinical trial investigating new treatments for herpes virus infection, specifically focusing on reducing recurrent cold sores in people who experience frequent outbreaks. The trial is taking place in Belgium and is testing a treatment called 2LHERP.
Clinical trial locations
Study on the Effectiveness of 2LHERP in Reducing Recurrent Cold Sores in Patients with Frequent Outbreaks
This clinical trial is investigating whether a treatment called 2LHERP can help reduce the number of cold sore outbreaks in people who experience them frequently. Cold sores, also known as orofacial herpes, are painful blisters that appear around the mouth and face caused by the herpes simplex virus.
Who can participate:
- Men and women aged between 16 and 80 years
- People who have experienced 6 or more episodes of cold sores in the past 12 months
- Women of childbearing age must use effective birth control
- Participants must be in a stable sexual relationship during the study
- Participants must be able to understand and follow the study requirements
- Participants must sign an informed consent form agreeing to take part
Who cannot participate:
- Patients who have not had 6 or more cold sore episodes in the 12 months before the study
What the trial involves:
The trial is designed to test whether 2LHERP can reduce the frequency of herpes outbreaks over a 12-month period. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either 2LHERP granules or a placebo (an inactive substance that looks like the treatment but contains no active ingredients). The treatment is taken by mouth and absorbed through the mucous membranes.
This is a double-blind study, which means neither the participants nor the researchers will know who is receiving the actual treatment or the placebo until the study is complete. This approach helps ensure the results are unbiased and accurate.
Throughout the study, researchers will monitor several aspects of participants’ experiences:
- The primary goal is to see if there is a reduction in the number of herpes episodes over 12 months compared to the year before the study
- How many participants remain free from outbreaks at 6 and 12 months
- How long it takes for the first outbreak to occur after starting treatment
- How long each episode lasts
- The level of pain during outbreaks
- Whether participants need to use additional medications for relief
- Overall quality of life
- Any side effects or adverse events
The investigational drug:
2LHERP contains specific nucleic acids, which are tiny building blocks of genetic material including DNA and RNA. The treatment comes in granule form that is opened and taken by mouth. It is designed to work by modulating the immune response to help prevent the virus from reactivating and causing outbreaks. 2LHERP is classified as an antiviral agent and is still under investigation, meaning it is not yet a widely recognized standard treatment.
The study is expected to conclude by March 31, 2027, and will provide valuable information about whether 2LHERP can effectively help people who suffer from frequent cold sore outbreaks.
Summary
Currently, there is one active clinical trial for herpes virus infection, specifically targeting recurrent orofacial herpes or cold sores. The trial is being conducted in Belgium and focuses on people who experience frequent outbreaks—defined as 6 or more episodes per year. The investigational drug being tested is 2LHERP, an oral treatment that aims to reduce the frequency of herpes outbreaks by modulating the immune response. This research is particularly relevant for patients who struggle with the physical discomfort and emotional impact of repeated cold sore episodes. The trial is expected to provide important insights into whether this new treatment approach can offer relief to those affected by this common viral condition.