Developing a safer herpes simplex virus type 2 vaccine

An R2 non-neuroinvasive herpes simplex virus type 2 vaccine

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · THYREOS, INC · NIH-11099986

This project aims to create a new, safer vaccine to protect people from herpes simplex virus type 2.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorTHYREOS, INC (nih funded)
Locations1 site (OAK PARK, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11099986 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This project is working to create a new type of vaccine for herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). The vaccine uses a special "R2" technology designed to be very safe and effective, and it's unique because it cannot establish a lifelong infection in the nervous system. Researchers will first create and test this new HSV-2 vaccine in laboratory settings. Following successful lab tests, the vaccine will be further tested in animal models like mice and guinea pigs to confirm its safety and ability to trigger an immune response. The ultimate goal is to gather enough information to move this promising vaccine candidate towards human clinical trials.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This research is foundational for a future vaccine, so ideal candidates would eventually be individuals at risk of or living with herpes simplex virus type 2.

Not a fit: Patients who are not at risk for or do not have herpes simplex virus type 2 would not directly benefit from this specific vaccine.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this vaccine could offer a new way to prevent herpes simplex virus type 2 infections, potentially reducing outbreaks and transmission.

How similar studies have performed: The R2 technology has shown promising safety and efficacy in animal models for related herpes viruses, suggesting a strong foundation for this new vaccine.

Where this research is happening

OAK PARK, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.