A new vaccine to prevent and treat herpes infections
Official title: Preclinical Evaluation of a Novel Immunomodulatory Vaccine for Preventing and Treating HSV Infections
Funded at Rational Vaccines, INC. · NIH-11220506 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new vaccine that aims to help prevent and treat herpes infections by boosting your immune system without letting the virus hide in your nerves, and it's for anyone who has or is at risk of getting herpes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rational Vaccines, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Woburn, United States) |
| Project start | August 3, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $986,717 |
| NIH project number | 4R44AI170133-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11220506 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals aged 15-49 who are at risk of or currently infected with HSV.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not infected with HSV or those who are outside the targeted age range may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel immunomodulatory vaccine aimed at preventing and treating Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) infections, which affect a significant portion of the global population. The vaccine is designed to avoid entering neuronal axons, thus preventing the virus from establishing latency in the host. Initial studies have shown that the vaccine is safe and effective in animal models, providing protection against lethal HSV challenges and inducing long-lasting immune responses. The research will also explore the vaccine's therapeutic potential for those already infected with HSV.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a groundbreaking vaccine that effectively prevents and treats HSV infections, significantly improving the quality of life for millions of affected individuals.
How similar studies have gone: While several vaccines have been evaluated for HSV, none have received FDA approval, making this approach novel and potentially groundbreaking.
Where this research is happening
-
Rational Vaccines, INC.
Woburn, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gershburg, Edward — Rational Vaccines, INC.
- Study coordinator: Gershburg, Edward
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.