A fresh approach to beat genital herpes
Based on ground-breaking research from the University of Gothenburg Simplexia has developed a novel and unique vaccine approach for the genital herpes virus.
A vaccine for genital herpes using a radically different scientific approach
The Simplexia vaccine approach is based upon the observation that HSV-1 infection, oral herpes, acquired during childhood does not provide protection against later HSV-2 (genital herpes) infection. Consequently our HSV-2 vaccine candidate contains a protein, glycoprotein G-2, that is unique for HSV-2.
“By focusing on the G-2 (gG-2) protein our approach has used the experiences from earlier research. Yet, it is a completely new approach for treating and preventing genital herpes.”
Tim Wood
CEO Simplexia AB
The unmet clinical need
A Silent Epidemic
Many people with genital herpes aren't even aware that they're infected with the virus and may not find out they are infected until they pass it on to a subsequent partner who develops symptoms.
Targeting a global pandemic
HSV-1 and HSV-2 cause lifelong, incurable infections. According to the WHO, More than 3.7 billion people under the age of 50 around the world are infected with HSV-1, while over 400 million people between have HSV-2.
Providing a long-term solution
Since current therapies with anti-herpes virus medications only attack activated virus, they are less than 50% effective in reducing transmission between partners. Simplexia's approach provides a long-term solution.
For those who do not know they need it
After infection the virus moves to nerve cells where they lie dormant. It may occasionally be activated to cause symptoms, however many people do not realise that they are infected.
Also including severe, lesser known indications
As well as genital sores and blister, HSV-2 can occasionally cause brain infection and a wide range of severe neonatal disease.
Some words from our team
“More than half a billion people are infected with HSV-2 globally. A vaccine for HSV-2 would not only help them. It would also decrease the spread of HIV, since people infected with HSV-2 are three to four times more likely to transmit HIV to a sexual partner.”
Jan-Åke Liljeqvist
MD, associate professor at Gothenburg University
”Simplexia has built up an ambitious and knowledgeable team with decades of experience of pharmaceutical development.”
Tim Wood
CEO Simplexia AB
“Simplexia has a unique vaccine approach and a solid scientific rationale for further development of our first-in-class vaccine against genital herpes.”
Lena Degling Wikingsson
Chairman Simplexia AB
Jan-Åke Liljeqvist
MD, associate professor at Gothenburg University
Tim Wood
CEO Simplexia AB
Lena Degling Wikingsson
Chairman Simplexia AB