u/PeacefulProdromes

Fred Hutch Invests in New HSV Research

Fred Hutch Cancer Center has announced the recipients of its 2026 Evergreen Fund Awards, investing nearly $1 million to help advance promising biomedical research toward real-world treatments.

Among the funded projects is the development of an antibody-based therapy for herpes simplex virus (HSV). While this is not a cure and no clinical results have been announced yet, it is encouraging to see continued investment in innovative HSV research from one of the world's leading research institutions.

The Evergreen Fund is designed to help bridge the gap between laboratory discoveries and future clinical development, giving promising ideas the support they need to move closer to patients.

Every new investment in HSV research is another reminder that scientific progress continues. Better treatments—and ultimately a cure—will require sustained research, funding, and collaboration.

Source: Fred Hutch Cancer Center (July 2026)

Innovative Molecules has announced that the first participant has been dosed in its Phase 2a clinical trial of adibelivir (IM-250), an investigational oral antiviral for recurrent genital herpes.

The trial will evaluate the drug's safety, antiviral activity, impact on viral shedding, and ability to reduce herpes outbreaks. Adibelivir is designed as a next-generation helicase-primase inhibitor, a different approach from standard antivirals like acyclovir and valacyclovir, with the goal of providing more effective suppression of HSV.

This milestone moves the program into later-stage clinical development and represents another encouraging step toward improved treatment options for people living with recurrent genital herpes.

While it's still too early to know how well the drug will perform, Phase 2a results will be important in determining whether adibelivir can offer meaningful advantages over current therapies.

A new HSV-2 therapeutic vaccine project has received a major boost after UC Irvine researcher Dr. Lbachir BenMohamed secured a $3.93 million NIH grant.

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The research will focus on a novel "Prime/Pull/Keep" vaccine strategy designed to strengthen the body's immune response against recurrent genital herpes. Unlike preventive vaccines, this therapeutic approach aims to help people already living with HSV-2 by reducing outbreaks, viral shedding, and transmission.

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The vaccine is designed to generate HSV-specific immune cells, direct them to the tissues where HSV reactivates, and maintain them there long-term. Researchers hope this could provide durable control of the virus and improve quality of life for millions of people affected by genital herpes.

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The project is still in the preclinical/research stage, and human trials have not yet begun. However, the NIH's investment highlights continued interest in developing new therapeutic options for HSV beyond current antiviral medications.

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Source: UC Irvine News (June 16, 2026)

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https://news.uci.edu/2026/06/16/uc-irvine-researcher-secures-nearly-4-million-nih-grant-to-advance-therapeutic-vaccine-to-help-end-genital-herpes/

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🚨Pritelivir Phase 3 Trial Update🚨

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A recent update to the Pritelivir Phase 3 trial record highlights continued progress toward a potential new treatment option for people with drug-resistant or refractory HSV infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients.

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Pritelivir is a helicase-primase inhibitor that works differently from standard antivirals like acyclovir. Previous Phase 3 results showed faster lesion healing and a favorable safety profile compared with currently available therapies in patients whose infections were resistant to treatment.

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While Pritelivir is not a cure or functional cure, it could become the first major new HSV antiviral in years for patients with limited treatment options. Regulatory review is expected to be a key milestone to watch in the coming months.