Initial tests of anti-herpes drug show significant promise, company says

Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the herpes simplex viruses type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2). It prevalence is worrying public health authorities, but a new drug trial has produced promising results.

The drug has been developed by NanoViricides, a Connecticut-based company, whose representatives report that in the recently completed cell culture studies of HSV-1, the compound demonstrated a dose-dependent maximal inhibition of the virus's infective capacity. Moreover, the researchers observed an almost complete inhibition of viral production.

"These results extend the earlier results of our anti-herpes nanoviricides testing in different HSV-1 cell culture models at other laboratories," said Randall Barton, the company's chief scientific officer.

He added that "these studies will enable the selection of optimal anti-herpes nanoviricides for evaluation in animal models of herpes virus infections."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there is currently no cure for this disease, although antiviral medications can shorten or prevent flare-ups. The best way to avoid transmission is to get frequently screened for STDs.