Since Genocea first reported data on GEN-003 (which would make it the first successful herpes vaccine ever) earlier this year, there has been massive interest in development.
This past September, a new player entered the field—Rational Vaccines (Rvx), which was founded by immunologist Dr. William Halford. RVx's Theravax claimed to have dramatically reduced genital outbreaks in 20 patients. Shortly thereafter, I interviewed Dr. Halford, to try and get additional information on Theravax.
You can find a table that compares (obviously apples and oranges, GEN-003 is conducting US clinical trials, Theravax did a tiny pilot study with infected patients in a foreign country) the two vaccines here.
The table below summarizes the other candidates that are (or were) in the pipeline.
Impressions:
- Glaxo's (GSK) synthetic vaccine went down in flames. Live vaccines are superior so far because they perfectly mimic the natural pathogen while synthetic vaccines mimic how viral vaccines should work.
- Sanofi, a major player in the vaccine world, has several candidates - all of which are even earlier in the development process, so impossible to evaluate at this time.
- Admedus' DNA vaccine, which is being developed in Australia, is one I would keep my eyes on.
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Agenus' HerpV peptide vaccine is looking like it may join Glaxo's synthetic construct in the pile of biological detritus.
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GenVec's GV2207 and Vical's GV2207 both perform well in protecting mice and/or guinea pigs against challenge with live herpes. Although animal models of herpes are quite good (predictive of human efficacy), these have a long way to go.
- There is little clinical information about Albert Einstein's live attenuated vaccine.
To read more articles about herpes vaccines, please click here.
Josh Bloom
Director of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Science
Dr. Josh Bloom, the Director of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Science, comes from the world of drug discovery, where he did research for more than 20 years. He holds a Ph.D. in chemistry.
