2024 Herpes Vaccine Updates: Key Breakthroughs and What They Mean for You
Balancing Hope and Reality: The Complex Journey to a Herpes Vaccine
For the many who struggle with herpes stigma and recurring oral or genital outbreaks, the wait for a vaccine seems like a distant fantasy. While I believe there’s a strong possibility we may see a vaccine in our lifetime, it doesn’t seem imminent.
Recent Developments in Herpes Vaccine Research
Earlier this week, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), provided an update on its therapeutic herpes vaccine trial. In the press release, GSK states that, “Results show that GSK3943104 did not meet the study’s primary efficacy objective. This vaccine candidate, therefore, will not progress to phase III studies. No safety concern was observed.”
According to its website, GSK has no other candidates for herpes at this time. Even if this news might feel discouraging, GSK isn’t alone in the search for a vaccine.
The Road Ahead: What’s Next for Herpes Research
Last year, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced its 2023-2028 Strategic Plan for Herpes Research. Created by the NIH HSV Working Group, the plan addresses the “persistent health challenges of HSV-1 and HSV-2” and outlines strategic priorities, including:
Advance Development of Promising Vaccines and Multipurpose Prevention Technologies
Support Clinical Trials to Test Therapeutics and Vaccines
Even though we’re not close to a vaccine, I do think it’s positive news that the NIH is actively working toward improvements when it comes to herpes.
These priorities indicate that the NIH is committed to addressing the impact of herpes, whether that’s through reducing frequency and severity of outbreaks, or finding new ways to reduce and prevent transmission. The public acknowledgement of this gap signifies that work is underway. It’s just a matter of how quickly it actually happens.
Anna Wald, MD, MPH, an expert epidemiology and chronic viral infections, and Christine Johnston, MD, MPH, provide commentary and insight into NIH’s goals, noting key issues for genital herpes over the next 50 years.
When it comes to vaccines, Wald and Johnston note two possibilities:
Prophylactic Vaccine: This vaccine would be similar to the one that exists for the human papillomavirus (HPV), which would be administered prior to someone’s sexual debut (formerly known as “losing your virginity”). If it were to include HSV-1, this could be added in a newborn’s regimen of vaccinations.
Therapeutic Vaccine: This vaccine would help people with existing HSV-2 infections better manage their symptoms by boosting their immune response. This would be similar to the vaccine used to prevent shingles.
Will a vaccine lead to a cure? Maybe, maybe not. Priority 3 of the NIH plan notes that “…a functional cure, sustained suppression of viral shedding without recurring treatment” may be possible. It is a goal and a possibility—but it isn’t guaranteed.
The Dark History of Herpes Vaccine Research in the U.S.
While the slow pace of research can be frustrating, it’s essential that clinical trials are conducted with proper oversight.
The U.S. has a troubling history of unethical studies, particularly involving marginalized populations and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This includes, but isn’t limited to, the Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment and the imprisonment of suspected sexually active women via the American Plan.
More recently, the controversy surrounding Rational Vaccines highlights the ethical concerns that can arise in the pursuit of modern medical breakthroughs.
Rational Vaccines, founded by William Halford and Agustin Fernandez, initially conducted herpes vaccine trials under questionable conditions, including unregulated offshore studies and a lack of transparency regarding safety concerns. This ultimately led the FDA to launch a criminal investigation in addition to legal actions taken by study participants against Rational Vaccines.
Despite these issues, the company now has advisory boards in place to ensure ethical standards and safety. It also received funding from NIH as part of the Herpes Strategic Research Plan. Rational Vaccine’s past raises significant questions about the integrity of clinical trials and underscores the need for vigilant oversight.
Who’s Competing in the Herpes Vaccine Race?
While there likely won’t be a “perfect” company when it comes to manufacturing a herpes vaccine, the market is competitive and growing, with projections reaching $1.87 billion by 2033.
Although GSK doesn’t have additional herpes candidates in its pipeline, other companies are making strides. Currently, this includes:
BioNTech: BNT163, an HSV-2 prophylactic candidate
Moderna: mRNA-1608, an HSV-2 therapeutic candidate vaccine (see information for trial details and qualifications)
For the latest information on herpes vaccinations, check out STIWatch.org.
Can a Herpes Vaccine Erase the Stigma?
This is where things become more complex. When people talk about herpes vaccines, I often find they equate a vaccine with a cure — which, as we learned, is a possibility, but isn’t promised.
Even if future research leads to a cure for herpes, it won’t immediately eliminate the stigma. While it might alleviate symptoms and shift the perception around being “undateable,” it doesn’t address the broader issue of STI stigma.
A cure for herpes doesn’t mean that more people will be more open about their STI status or prioritize safer sex. In fact, I’d argue that a cure might lead to more complacency around sexual health.
While a vaccine for herpes could alleviate symptoms and reduce the chance of transmission, eliminating and reducing stigma requires a broader effort rooted in comprehensive sex education and continued advocacy.
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