New gum tablet could speed up cold sore healing
NCT ID NCT05098938
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026
Summary
This study tested a single acyclovir tablet that sticks to the gum to treat cold sores (herpes labialis) in 2020 adults with frequent outbreaks. Participants applied the tablet or a placebo at home and tracked healing over 14 days. The goal was to see if the drug shortens the time until sores heal and symptoms go away.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- acyclovir
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could confirm that a single acyclovir buccal tablet speeds up cold sore healing and reduces symptoms.
- What could go wrong
- This is a completed Phase 3 trial, but results may not show a big benefit over placebo. Cold sores often heal on their own, so the drug may only help a little.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Science 37
Culver City, California, 90230, United States