Tenofovir, the antiretroviral, when used as a vaginal gel, has been proven to protect women against the herpes simplex virus. A study published in the Cell Host and Microbe journal reveals that due to higher concentrations reaching the vaginal cells in the gel form of the drug as opposed to the oral formulation, the drug’s use can extend to reducing the risk of contracting the herpes virus (HSV). The study was carried out by the Catholic University of Leaven, the University of Rome, the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and Gilead Sciences.
The gel form of the drug stops the spread of the herpes virus by disabling its DNA enzyme and reduces the risk of contracting herpes simplex infections as well as HIV infections. It has always been known to inhibit the reproduction of the HIV virus but this study highlights its potential regarding HSV. HSV in its shedding phase is contractible even when infected partners present as asymptomatic.
HIV and herpes are closely associated and those who have the herpes virus and who are exposed to the herpes virus are more likely to contract HIV than those who do not carry the herpes virus.
Tenofovir is converted by human tissue into a form that inhibits the activity of the HIV virus and now we know that it does the same for herpes simplex. The study examined HSV infected group cells and individual cells and it was proven that the drug in high concentrations stopped the reproduction of the virus. Furthermore, mice treated with tenofovir and which were infected with herpes experienced no symptoms of herpes and lived longer.
Taking the drug orally will not affect the HSV virus but there is approximately 100 times the amount of the drug present in the gel form when administered directly to the vaginal tissues. Safety and efficacy studies will need to be carried out before the drug is sold in this form and for this use but this could be a breakthrough preventative treatment for a virus that stays with an infected individual for life.