Can a common antiviral tame herpes meningitis?

NCT ID NCT05452928

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether the antiviral drug aciclovir (or its pill form valacyclovir) works better than a placebo for treating meningitis caused by the herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). About 150 adults with confirmed HSV-2 meningitis will receive either the drug or a placebo, and their symptoms will be scored after 7 days. The goal is to see if the drug speeds up recovery and reduces symptoms like headache, fever, and neck stiffness.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Aciclovir (also known as valacyclovir)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could confirm that aciclovir effectively reduces symptoms of HSV-2 meningitis, providing a standard treatment option.

What could go wrong

This is a relatively small Phase 4 trial, and the benefit over placebo may be modest. The primary endpoint is a symptom score, not a cure, and results may not apply to all patients.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

aseptic meningitis herpes simplex type 2 infectious disease meningitis viral meningitis

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••