Race following vaccinations is ongoing, mainly due to formation of new viruses and modifications of existing viruses which is occurring every day.

The importance of vaccination against latent viruses is huge, since once infected with these viruses they stay in our bodies throughout our lives, and could erupt at any time.

Michael Tipple, CEO of Tomegavax and his research team on, may face a vaccine that stimulates the immune response around the clock – potentially guarding it constantly against latent viruses such as herpes, HPV and HIV [1].

Michael Tipple, CEO of Tomegavax and his research team on, may face a vaccine that stimulates the immune response around the clock – potentially guarding it constantly against latent viruses such as herpes, HPV and HIV [1].

The main problem with latent viruses is that upon primary infection, immune cells can’t fight the virus effectively and efficiently due to the lack of an “up front” immune response

So, how this vaccine works you ask ?? Its mechanism is very interesting.

The virus used in this vaccine is CMV (cytomegalovirus). It turns out that the body responds to CMV more slowly and calmly than it does, for example, to a flu.

Upon any infection, a gland in the body generates new white blood cells primed to target the specific virus, but in the case of this vaccine those cells stay in an unusual “half-alert” state [2].

What does that mean? So let’s give you an example. A full-blown immune response eventually exhausts itself, and can even be dangerous.

For example, humans who catch bird flu often die of the immune response itself.

In the case of CMV, 80% of the population get it at some point in their lifetime, have few, if any, symptoms and therefore may not even know that they have been infected [3].

So in the case of CMV based vaccine, in a therapeutic or preventative sense, the immune system’s constantly working and ready in case of a new viral infection [2].

Two pharmacutical companies combined resources in order to develop a vaccination against Herpes Virus

So in the case of CMV based vaccine, in a therapeutic or preventative sense, the immune system’s constantly working and ready in case of a new viral infection [2].

Vaccine development by Tomegavax is an important tool for dealing with viruses. It will take at least three years to develop an appropriate vaccine for humans, so until then we must act responsibly and ensure control over the spread of the virus.
Our natural environment is very dynamic and constantly changing and as people are born die and change, so does viruses. This requires us to show responsibility and always be up to date on current trends in scientific research.

References:
1. Keshavan, M. Startup using Gates-funded research to develop herpes & HIV vaccines, raising $12M. Published October 2, 2014.
2. Hansen, Scott G., et al. “Immune clearance of highly pathogenic SIV infection.” Nature (2013).
3. CDC.gov – Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Congenital CMV Infection. Last updated December 6, 2010

Two pharmacutical companies combined resources in order to develop a vaccination against Herpes Virus

The Herpes type 2 morbidity rate for teens and young adults is tremendously high, however, if enough people take an active role in intervention and preventative treatment, the rate could drop significantly.

Yet, to date, there are no FDA approved vaccines against the genital herpes virus. Which is pretty absurd considering the fact that so many people are infected with herpes. To be more specific, about one out of every six people aged 14 to 49 years have genital herpes [1].

Development of a vaccine or specific drug is a very long and expensive process, which requires many approvals along the way in order to obtain the safest and most effective product.

As I grew up, I was always told that two is always better than one, and that’s true regarding all areas of life. So when two pharmaceutical companies decide to join forces in order to develop a vaccine for herpes, I understand can why, as well as praise their efforts to do so.

Both companies, pharmaceutical firm Sanofi Pasteur and biotech firm Immune Design chose to work together in order to develop an effective Herpes type 2 vaccine [2].

Both companies, pharmaceutical firm Sanofi Pasteur and biotech firm Immune Design chose to work together in order to develop an effective Herpes type 2 vaccine [2].

Although they both have vaccines in early testing , they still decided to combine their resources in order to be able to succeed where other companies have failed.

But wait, how shall we treat Herpes until a vaccine is developed? Here’s a thought- how about treatment based on natural ingredients?

It turns out that there are only two natural antiviral products which have been clinically proven effective: Novirin and Gene-Eden-VIR [3].
Apparently, Herpes virus can remain latent in the body, which is basically a “sleepy state”. In this state, the virus does not cause any health problems and the infected person doesn’t even know he is infected [4]!

The formula of these natural antiviral products was designed to help the immune system target the “sleepy” herpes.

Until a vaccine is developed, our main goal is to treat people who have been infected, and prevent disease transmission for people who have not yet been infected.

In order to do so, we must show responsibility by being aware to all current treatments on the market.

Reference:
1. CDC.com – Genital Herpes – CDC Fact Sheet. Last updated on July 1, 2014.
cdc.gov/std/herpes/stdfact-herpes.htm
2. Taylor, P. Sanofi to work with Immune Design on herpes vaccine. Published October 17, 2014. pmlive.com/pharma_news/sanofi_to_work_with_immune_design_on_herpes_vaccine_607263
3. Polansky, H. Itzkovitz, E. Gene-Eden-VIR Is Antiviral: Results of a Post Marketing Clinical Study. Published in September 2013. scirp.org/journal/PaperInformation.aspx?PaperID=36101#.U-x7BeOSz90
4. Nahmias, André J., and William E. Josey. “Herpes simplex viruses 1 and 2.” Viral infections of humans. Springer US, 1984. 351-372.‏

Cheaper and faster test for diagnosing herpes

Have you ever gone to the doctor following cold sores in your mouth, and waited over a week for the results??? The fact is, you are probably infected with the herpes virus. And the longer you wait for a diagnosis, the less likely antiviral therapy will lead to a positive outcome.

But, not to worry!! Apparently, there is a new test that has been developed to identify herpes in the blood [1].

Now, let’s begin by asking ourselves, what is herpes? The answer is that herpes is a virus. Did you know it’s estimated that between 60–95% of adults worldwide are infected with the herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) [2]??

There is treatment for herpes: For more information see
http://www.novirin.com/

Well, it turns out that the symptoms of this strain of the herpes virus are usually limited to sores or blisters. It doesn’t end there, however; the virus stays in your body in a latent state, which is basically similar to falling asleep. In this state, amazingly, it has the ability to hide from your immune system!

In some cases such as stress or strong sunlight, the virus will travel back to your skin and cause an eruption of cold sores [3, 4].

At present, diagnosing HSV-1 may take up to a week to complete, and although alternative tests have been offered, they are still time-consuming and present more complications, which in some cases require a specialist [1].

According to a study, this new test does not require an immune response to the herpes virus and is extremely sensitive and faster than previous tests used to detect HSV. Additionally, because the test reduces the cost of a diagnosis, it can more effectively be used in hospitals or doctors’ offices [1].

To sum up, the faster Herpes is diagnosed and treated the better, which is exactly what this new test should allow doctors to do. Additionally, its advantages are a huge hope for wider applications, such as diagnosing HIV faster and more accurately.

All in all, the new herpes test is promising, and it will be interesting to see how the market accepts it once introduced.

References

1. Muzard, Julien, et al. “Rapid, Highly Sensitive Detection of Herpes Simplex Virus-1 using Multiple Antigenic Peptide-Coated Superparamagnetic Beads.”Analyst (2014).
2. Pebody, R. G., et al. “The seroepidemiology of herpes simplex virus type 1 and 2 in Europe.” Sexually transmitted infections 80.3 (2004): 185-191.
3. Nahmias, André J., and William E. Josey. “Herpes simplex viruses 1 and 2.” Viral infections of humans. Springer US, 1984. 351-372.‏
4. Whitley, Richard J., David W. Kimberlin, and Bernard Roizman. “Herpes simplex viruses.” Clinical Infectious Diseases (1998): 541-553.

Alzheimer’s is linked to the herpes virus. Learn more about herpes symptoms. Click the photo.

Herpes and Alzheimer’s disease are very common, Did you know that about 50-80% of the population in Europe has herpes [1]? And, that 10% of the population over the age of 65, and 50% of the population over the age of 85, have Alzheimer’s disease [3]? That’s pretty crazy, huh?

And what if I told you that there is a connection between the two? This is even more absurd!

But, before I start telling you stories and tales (which are totally true) – we must wonder, what is herpes all about?
Herpes virus 1 and 2, are viruses that infect humans [2]. Herpes-1 is the virus which causes those annoying cold sores and watery blisters on the skin, mainly near the mouth, whereas herpes-2 is the virus which causes genital sores and blisters- both of which can be a total bummer [2,3].

Let me tell you something about herpes: it is one heck of a contagious virus! You wouldn’t want to kiss your girlfriend on the mouth if she has a cold sore. You wouldn’t want to drink from her glass either. And, if that is not enough for you, if a pregnant woman has genital herpes during delivery, her newborn baby may get the disease due to exposure to blisters in the birth canal. And, last but not least, one can catch genital herpes through sexual intercourse [2,3].

First thing’s first- lets say you caught herpes: what’s next? Besides the initial symptoms, the virus knows how to travel to your nerve cells. Once there, it goes into a latent state, which is basically similar to falling asleep. In this state, amazingly, it has the ability to hide from your immune system! How crazy is that? And finally, beware- if you are stressed prior to an exam, or you’ve decided to go sunbathing or tanning at the beach, you may wake that viral demon up, and as a result it will travel back to your skin. This causes an eruption of cold sores on your mouth, or blisters on your genitals, depending on which type of virus you have, and where the virus entered your body [2].

Ok, so now you’re probably asking yourselves – What is Alzheimer’s disease and how is the herpes virus linked to it?

Let’s begin by talking about what Alzheimer’s disease actually is. Are you familiar with how some elderly people become confused and aggressive, have mood swings, forget recent events, and have impaired long term memory? These are all symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease. In addition to these symptoms, slowly and gradually, bodily functions are lost, eventually leading to death [4].

Your next question might be: “At what age does Alzheimer’s disease appear?”

Good question! Most often, Alzheimer’s disease is diagnosed in people who are over 65 years [5], while much younger adults may be diagnosed as well [6]. Another interesting fact: some people may live up to 7 years after diagnosis, while others may live for more than 14 years [7].

How is the herpes virus involved?

Over the past 30 years, many devoted scientists explored this subject [8-11,13], and they actually discovered that if you have herpes-1, you have a greater chance developing Alzheimer’s disease. I’d like to say that that’s frustrating, but actually it’s a pretty cool discovery- mainly because it helps us understand a new way to try and cure herpes-1 and Alzheimer’s disease! Two birds in one! It means that we can try to cure or prevent Alzheimer’s disease with antiviral agents, or in other words- let’s destroy herpes- kick him out of his new home he created in our brains.

In terms of treatments against herpes-1, there are conventional medications you may administer orally, as well as medications you may apply on infected body surfaces. However, they aren’t considered very effective according to clinical research [12]. In addition, these medications treat the cold sores and blisters, that is, the symptoms- and not the “sleepy virus” in the brain.

The fact is, these medications don’t do anything to prevent the virus from reactivating and waking up again.

But then, if conventional medications aren’t effective, which antiviral drugs should we use in order to cure herpes? Here’s a thought- how about non conventional medicines-remedies, which are based on natural ingredients?

Apparently they have been clinically proven effective, mainly because they target the virus in its “sleepy” state in the brain and therefore reduce the symptoms as well.

The herpes virus may be a cause of Alzheimer’s disease. Click the photo to learn more about herpes symptoms.

It turns out that there are only two natural antiviral products which have been clinically proven effective: Novirin and Gene-Eden-VIR [12]. The formula of these natural antiviral products was designed to help the immune system target the “sleepy” herpes.

To conclude, many people have herpes (HSV-1 or HSV-2) or Alzheimer’s disease , and that fact, causes low quality of life and high (drug) treatment costs. In addition, there are no treatments which stop or reverse Alzheimer’s Disease progression, although some may temporarily reduce symptoms. Therefore, the fact that there are natural remedies that can reduce herpes symptoms, may be a breakthrough in preventing or delaying the onset of AD symptoms. If proven, this would would be a very siginficant and important discovery.

References:

1. Pebody, R. G., et al. “The seroepidemiology of herpes simplex virus type 1 and 2 in Europe.” Sexually transmitted infections 80.3 (2004): 185-191.

2. Nahmias, André J., and William E. Josey. “Herpes simplex viruses 1 and 2.” Viral infections of humans. Springer US, 1984. 351-372.‏

3. Whitley, Richard J., David W. Kimberlin, and Bernard Roizman. “Herpes simplex viruses.” Clinical Infectious Diseases (1998): 541-553.
‏
4. Piacentini, Roberto, et al. “HSV-1 and Alzheimer’s disease: more than a hypothesis.” Frontiers in pharmacology 5 (2014).‏

5. Brookmeyer, Ron, Sarah Gray, and Claudia Kawas. “Projections of Alzheimer’s disease in the United States and the public health impact of delaying disease onset.” American journal of public health 88.9 (1998): 1337-1342.‏

6. Campion, Dominique, et al. “Early-onset autosomal dominant Alzheimer disease: prevalence, genetic heterogeneity, and mutation spectrum.” The American Journal of Human Genetics 65.3 (1999): 664-670.‏

7. Mölsä, Pekka K., R. J. Marttila, and U. K. Rinne. “Survival and cause of death in Alzheimer’s disease and multi‐infarct dementia.” Acta Neurologica Scandinavica 74.2 (1986): 103-107.‏

8. Itzhaki, Ruth F., et al. “Herpes simplex virus type 1 in brain and risk of Alzheimer’s disease.” The Lancet 349.9047 (1997): 241-244.‏

9. Ando, Yoshinori, et al. “Primary target cells of herpes simplex virus type 1 in the hippocampus.” Microbes and Infection 10.14 (2008): 1514-1523.‏

10. Ball, M. J. “” Limbic predilection in Alzheimer dementia: is reactivated herpesvirus involved?”.” The Canadian journal of neurological sciences. Le journal canadien des sciences neurologiques 9.3 (1982): 303-306.‏

11. Imtiaz, Bushra, et al. “Future directions in Alzheimer’s disease from risk factors to prevention.” Biochemical pharmacology 88.4 (2014): 661-670.‏

12. Polansky, Hanan, and Edan Itzkovitz. “Gene-Eden-VIR Is Antiviral: Results of a Post Marketing Clinical Study.” Pharmacology & Pharmacy 4.06 (2013): 1.‏

13. Bearer, Elaine L. “HSV, axonal transport and Alzheimer’s disease: in vitro and in vivo evidence for causal relationships.” Future virology 7.9 (2012): 885-899.‏