New Herpes Therapy More Effective Than Acyclovir

Despite decades of clinical research, Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) remains among the most prevalent infectious pathogens, impacting millions annually. While herpes vaccine candidates continue to progress in clinical trials, none have been approved.

However, an innovative HSV therapy may soon become available.

Theralase® Technologies Inc. announced today that the previous University of Manitoba research has been validated, proving that Ruvidar® is safe and effective in the inactivation of Herpes Simplex Virus, Type 1 (HSV-1), in an animal model.

In the latest Theralase® research, announced on February 10, 2025, Balb/C mice were infected with the human HSV-1 virus. On day 6 post-infection, 20 uL of a 1% Ruvidar® solution was applied topically over the area of well-developed lesions once daily for four days.

Four days of Ruvidar treatment resulted in complete healing of the HSV-1 cutaneous lesions.

In a press release, the Company stated that these 'results support the safety and efficacy of topically applied non-light activated Ruvidar® against cutaneous HSV-1 lesions in a mouse model.'

Kevin Coombs, B.A., M.A., Ph.D., professor of medical microbiology and infectious diseases at the Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba (retired), stated, "I am delighted that Theralase® researchers were able to successfully translate my team's cellular inactivation of HSV into a safe and effective therapy in an animal model."

"Their research may prove to be instrumental in developing a clinical program that will have real-world impacts on the lives of billions of people infected with this prolific disease."

Effective U.S. FDA-approved anti-herpetic drugs available in 2025 include acyclovir and later-generation derivatives (penciclovir, valacyclovir, famciclovir, and ganciclovir), which inhibit viral DNA synthesis. 

Independent research by the University of Manitoba verifies that Ruvidar is more effective than acyclovir in inactivating HSV after infection.

According to the Company's press release, Ruvidar inhibited HSV-1 replication at significantly lower concentrations.

The effects of Ruvidar versus acyclovir on HSV-1 yields when added 24 hours post-infection (hpi). Vero cells were infected with HSV-1 at a Multiplicity of infection ~ 1.5, incubated for 24 hours, and then treated at 24 hpi with indicated drug concentrations for an additional 44 hours.

Virus yields were then determined, and reductions in virus yields were compared to non-treated controls.

Roger DuMoulin-White, B.Sc., P.Eng, Pro.Dir., President and Chief Executive Officer, Theralase, stated, "Based on the success of Theralase®'s latest research, Theralase® plans to develop a vaccine and therapeutic for the prevention and treatment of HSV, with clinical development to commence thereafter."

This announcement was based on an animal model study, indicating the product is not commercially available.