Long-lasting pritelivir vaginal ring to treat and prevent genital herpes
IND-enabling Preclinical Development of a Sustained-release Pritelivir Intravaginal ring for the Treatment and Prophylaxis of Genital Herpes
A vaginal ring that slowly releases the antiviral pritelivir to help treat and lower the chance of genital herpes outbreaks for people with this infection.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Auritec Pharmaceuticals, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pasadena, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11143628 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are designing a long-lasting vaginal ring that slowly releases the antiviral drug pritelivir directly where genital herpes causes disease. They adapted a proven sustained-release platform and have tested formulations in lab and animal studies to check safety and drug levels. The project includes manufacturing, chemistry, and safety work needed to seek regulatory approval to start human testing. If approved, future clinical trials would measure whether wearing the ring can both treat outbreaks and provide ongoing protection against new infections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with genital herpes—particularly those with frequent recurrences or at high risk of exposure—who are willing and able to use a vaginal ring.
Not a fit: People who do not have a vagina, those allergic to the ring materials, or people with herpes only at non-genital sites are unlikely to benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could reduce the frequency and severity of genital herpes outbreaks and limit systemic side effects by delivering antiviral medicine locally over time.
How similar studies have performed: Sustained-release antiviral implants have succeeded before (for example, Vitrasert for CMV) and pritelivir showed promise in Phase 2 systemic trials, but intravaginal ring delivery of pritelivir is still mainly in preclinical development.
Where this research is happening
Pasadena, United States
- Auritec Pharmaceuticals, INC. — Pasadena, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Smith, Thomas J. — Auritec Pharmaceuticals, INC.
- Study coordinator: Smith, Thomas J.
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 below.