NSW: Scientists announce breakthrough on herpes

AAP General News (Australia)
08-08-1999
NSW: Scientists announce breakthrough on herpes

SYDNEY, Aug 8 AAP - Australian scientists have announced a breakthrough daily preventative
treatment for genital herpes.

The medication, Valtrex, is the first and only anti-viral medication in Australia to
provide effective, long-term suppressive treatment for genital herpes at a once-daily dose.

A leading virologist in Sydney today said more than half a million Australians affected by
herpes would have relief from the chronic pain of the disease with the release of the world's
first once-a-day preventative treatment.

Australian Herpes Management Forum chairman Dr Tony Simmons said the arrival of the
affordable and accessible once-daily dosing was a significant advancement in treating genital
herpes.

And he said within a decade there would be further progress in treating herpes with potent
drugs and vaccines.

Dr Simmons said genital herpes affects more than 100 million people worldwide, with 500,000
known cases in Australia. He also added a further one in five adults may carry the virus.

Dr Simmons said less than 10 per cent of Australians with genital herpes seek treatment for
their condition because they lack knowledge about available treatment options.

Studies show treatment with Valtrex, or valaciclovir (valaciclovir), dramatically reduces
the number of genital herpes recurrences in patients.

The announcement coincides with the International Congress on Virology, which opens in
Sydney tomorrow.

The forum is expected to attract 2,000 virology experts from around the world who will
discuss the eradication of smallpox, progress towards an HIV vaccine, the newly emerging
Hepatitis E virus and the possible eradication of polio.

AAP nd/adh/de

KEYWORD: HERPES

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