Posted on June 1, 2004 at 3:50 p.m.

BIRMINGHAM, AL — A study under way at UAB aims to determine if an experimental vaccine is safe and effective in preventing genital herpes in young women. The study marks the final phase of testing for the candidate vaccine, called HERPEVAC, developed by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). “If proven effective, it will be first vaccine for a sexually transmitted disease,” said Dr. Edward Hook, professor of medicine at UAB and lead investigator of the study at UAB.

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection characterized by blisters or sores on the genitals. It’s estimated that 45 million people over the age of 12 in the United States have genital herpes. Usually, infected individuals experience few if any symptoms, however, symptoms can be severe and even life threatening, especially to unborn infants exposed during pregnancy and to people with suppressed immune systems.

UAB is one of 26 sites participating in the nationwide study, directed by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and GSK. In total, sites will enroll 7,500 eligible participants -- women between the ages of 18 and 30 who do not have oral or genital herpes. UAB will enroll 500 volunteers. “So far, UAB has only enrolled about 115 volunteers, so many more are needed,” said Hook.

Following an initial screening, participants will visit the clinic eight times over a period of 20 months. Half will be randomly selected to receive the vaccine, given in three shots over the course of the study. Volunteers will receive up to $360 in compensation for their time and travel.