Herpes Viruses Fear mRNA Vaccine Candidate

About 4 billion people eagerly await a vaccine to prevent and/or treat herpes virus infections, a global Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD).

According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 3.7 billion people have herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection, the leading cause of oral herpes.

Additionally, an estimated 491 million people have herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection, the main cause of genital herpes.

Recently, a worldwide leader in mRNA technologies launched a phase 1/2 clinical trial to address this massive market.

Moderna Inc.'s mRNA-1608 is an HSV-2 therapeutic vaccine candidate conducting a study (mRNA-1608-P101) with 300 healthy adults with recurrent HSV-2 Genital Herpes.

This randomized, observer-blind, controlled, dose-ranging study launched in the United States on September 6, 2023, and is forecasted to be completed on June 4, 2025.

Moderna has selected study locations in Alabama, Arizona, and California. The email contact is [email protected]. Or visit Trial Search for additional clinical studies.

With mRNA-1608, Moderna aims to induce a strong antibody response with neutralizing and effector functionality combined with cell-mediated immunity. 

On February 18, 2022, Moderna stated that it expects an HSV-2 vaccine could provide cross-protection against HSV-1.

As of September 15, 2023, there is no herpes vaccine candidate approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.