Gene editing to durably control genital herpes (HSV-2)
Official title: Meganuclease-mediated gene editing for durable control of HSV-2 infection
Funded at Caladan Therapeutics, INC. · NIH-11161579 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project uses a harmless AAV virus to deliver specialized gene-cutting enzymes aimed at removing latent HSV-2 from nerve cells in adults with genital herpes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Caladan Therapeutics, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Vestavia Hills, United States) |
| Project start | August 5, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $303,731 |
| NIH project number | 5R41AI186683-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11161579 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates would be adults (21+) with recurrent genital HSV-2 infection who are interested in a potential one-time gene-based approach to reduce recurrence and transmission.
✕Less likely to help
People who only have HSV-1, are under 21, are pregnant, or have contraindications to viral-vector gene therapies may not benefit from or be eligible for this work.
What this research studies
I have genital herpes and this project tries to remove the virus hiding in nerve cells using engineered enzymes called meganucleases delivered by adeno-associated virus (AAV). Researchers will pick and optimize an HSV-2-specific meganuclease in lab tests and evaluate delivery and activity in preclinical models. The team builds on earlier work that removed most latent HSV-1 in animals and will adapt and test the approach for HSV-2. This Phase I STTR focuses on designing a safe, specific AAV-based gene-editing therapy as a step toward future human trials.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could substantially reduce or eliminate latent HSV-2 in nerve cells, lowering outbreaks and the risk of transmission.
How similar studies have gone: Related AAV-delivered meganuclease work eliminated up to 97% of latent HSV-1 DNA in animal models, but applying this gene-editing approach to HSV-2 and to humans is novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
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Caladan Therapeutics, INC.
Vestavia Hills, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jerome, Keith R — Caladan Therapeutics, INC.
- Study coordinator: Jerome, Keith R
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.