BioNTech launches first human test of mRNA herpes vaccine
NCT ID NCT05432583
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This early-stage trial tests an mRNA vaccine called BNT163, designed to prevent genital herpes caused by HSV-2 and possibly HSV-1. About 318 healthy adults and people with recurrent genital herpes will receive the vaccine or a placebo. The main goal is to check safety and measure immune responses.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- BNT163 (an mRNA vaccine)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could lead to a vaccine that prevents genital herpes lesions caused by HSV-2 and possibly HSV-1.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early Phase 1 trial focused on safety, not yet on effectiveness. The vaccine may not produce strong enough immunity or could have side effects.
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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Accellacare PMG Research Wilmington LLC
Wilmington, North Carolina, 28401, United States
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Accellacare Raleigh Medical Group
Raleigh, North Carolina, 27609, United States
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Alliance for Multispecialty Research, LLC
Tempe, Arizona, 85281, United States
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CTI Clinical Research Center
Cincinnati, Ohio, 45212, United States
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Great Lakes Clinical Trials - Flourish Research
Chicago, Illinois, 60640, United States
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Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, United States