Application of a topical immune response modifier, resiquimod gel, to modify the recurrence rate of recurrent genital herpes: a pilot study.

Abstract

Resiquimod (R-848), a topically active immune response modifier, induced production of interferon-alpha and interleukin-12 in cultured blood mononuclear cells and decreased genital herpes recurrences in an animal model. In this study, 52 patients with frequently recurrent genital herpes applied topical resiquimod gel 0.01% (twice or thrice weekly) or 0.05% (once or twice weekly) or vehicle gel to herpes lesions for 3 weeks. During the 6-month observation period after treatment, median days to first recurrence in the pooled resiquimod group was 169 days, compared with 57 days for the vehicle group (P=.0058). In all, 32% of resiquimod-treated patients completed the observation period without a recurrence, compared with 6% of vehicle-treated patients (P=.039). Resiquimod 0.05% twice weekly produced dose-limiting inflammation at the lesion sites, but the other regimens were well tolerated. Application of resiquimod to genital herpes lesions appeared to reduce the frequency of recurrences.

• Authors: S L Spruance, S K Tyring, M H Smith, T C Meng
• Journal: The Journal of infectious diseases (J Infect Dis) Vol. 184 Issue 2 Pg. 196-200 (Jul 15 2001) ISSN: 0022-1899 [Print] United States
• PMID: 11424018 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Clinical Trial, Phase II, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Gels
• Imidazoles
• Immunologic Factors
• resiquimod

Topics

• Adult
• Double-Blind Method
• Female
• Gels
• Herpes Genitalis (drug therapy, prevention & control)
• Humans
• Imidazoles (administration & dosage)
• Immunologic Factors (administration & dosage)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Pilot Projects
• Proportional Hazards Models
• Secondary Prevention
• Treatment Outcome