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.

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.

genital herpes simplex type 2 infectious disorder genital herpes prevention target

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Accellacare PMG Research Wilmington LLC

    Wilmington, North Carolina, 28401, United States

  • Accellacare Raleigh Medical Group

    Raleigh, North Carolina, 27609, United States

  • Alliance for Multispecialty Research, LLC

    Tempe, Arizona, 85281, United States

  • CTI Clinical Research Center

    Cincinnati, Ohio, 45212, United States

  • Great Lakes Clinical Trials - Flourish Research

    Chicago, Illinois, 60640, United States

  • Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania

    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, United States