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.‏