Herpes Simplex Virus Type-2 Vaccines

Herpes simplex virus type 2, (HSV-2), the most common cause of genital herpes, is a sexually transmitted disease that is estimated to infect more than 500 million people worldwide and one out of six people aged 15 to 49. In the U.S. alone, an estimated 50-60 million people are affected. There is neither a cure nor a vaccine to prevent or treat HSV-2. Antivirals are currently used to treat acute outbreaks and reduce transmission risk. The annual healthcare cost of HSV-2 in the U.S., primarily antiviral drugs, is approximately $2.5 billion.

HSV-2 infection can cause recurring, painful genital sores, and can be stigmatizing and produce considerable psychological distress in patients. The disease is particularly severe in immunosuppressed patients and poses significant risk to newborns if it is transmitted from mothers during birth.

Genocea is developing both therapeutic and prophylactic vaccines for HSV-2 based on the discovery of antigens with its technology. In in vivo preclinical proof-of-concept studies, the antigens have demonstrated protection against disease, reduced viral shedding and lesion recurrence.