The dominant therapy for genital herpes is nucleoside analogue antiviral drugs. A number of oral nucleoside analogue drugs are available, and they are used similarly. They can be dosed acutely during a recurrence to reduce the duration and severity of symptoms. They can also be dosed at least daily to prevent recurrences. These drugs are effective when taken, but they have no long-lasting effect on recurrences of genital herpes.
Recurrences are common after patients discontinue drug treatment.
Vaccines have yet to be proven, and even if a vaccine makes it to the market, there are practical issues of who and when to vaccinate. An IRM may be able to extend the duration between recurrences or even prevent recurrences without the need for daily drug therapy. Enhancement of herpes-specific immunity may result in decreases in asymptomatic viral shedding, which in turn may reduce the risk of transmission to others. If these Phase III trials proceed on track, 3M Pharmaceuticals expects to file licensing dossiers for this new molecule globally in Q2 2004. Other launches would proceed globally based on individual country registration and reimbursement feedback to 3M Pharmaceuticals.