SIU Medical School Helping Test Treatment for Herpes

Adults are being recruited by Southern Illinois University School of Medicine as part of a national study of valaciclovir to determine if it helps patients with genital herpes have fewer outbreaks. The drug is being evaluated for use in newly infected patients by SIU's Division of Dermatology as part of a multi-site study.

"Most patients with genital herpes, a common sexually transmitted disease, have frequent and painful reoccurring outbreaks. We are hopeful that this study will lead to a therapy that suppresses repeat outbreaks," said Dr. Lucinda S. Buescher, associate professor of dermatology at SIU who is directing the study.

Volunteers between 18 years and older are being sought. Participants should be newly infected within the last three months. Each participant will receive a physical examination and other tests before beginning and during follow-up visits every four weeks over six months. There is no charge to the participants for the tests and medications related to the study, which is sponsored by GlaxoSmithKline. Results will be shared with the participant's personal physician.

If you are interested in participating in the study, contact Merri Ellen King, R.N., in the dermatology division at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, by calling 217-545-7908 weekdays or emailing mking@siumed.edu.

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