New investigational topical HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS (HSV) treatment

We start this week with a novel therapeutic agent for HSV. Khemis et al1 in France highlight the potential role for a novel agent, the CS21 barrier genital gel in the management of recurrent genital HSV. This prospective randomised controlled, investigator-blinded trial compared CS21 barrier genital gel, the investigational agent, with topical aciclovir and a placebo in 61 (43 women and 18 men) patients with recurrent herpes. They compared clinical end points using a cumulative score of four herpes-related functional symptoms (pain, burning, itching and tingling sensation) and secondary endpoints (skin changes, time to heal, local tolerance and overall acceptability of the treatment). CS21 was found to be more efficient than topical aciclovir or placebo for subjective symptoms as measured by a self-reported questionnaire and for pain relief in those with recurrence of genital herpes on days 1, 2, 3, 8, and 15 of use. Significant differences were seen between CS21 and placebo (p=0.003) and CS21 and aciclovir (p=0.024) at day 2. Time to heal was …