New study tests oral antiviral for newborns exposed to herpes

NCT ID NCT05468619

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This Phase 1 study tested different doses of the oral antiviral drug valacyclovir in 17 newborns whose mothers had genital herpes. The goal was to find a dose that gives similar drug levels in the blood as the standard IV treatment. Researchers measured how the drug was processed and checked for side effects. The study is complete and helps guide future dosing for infants at risk of neonatal herpes.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

Valacyclovir (an antiviral drug given by mouth)

What this could lead to

If successful, this could help doctors give oral valacyclovir to newborns at risk of herpes, avoiding the need for IV treatment.

What could go wrong

This is a very early, small Phase 1 study with only 17 infants. It focuses on dosing and safety, not on curing or preventing disease. Results may not apply to all newborns.

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.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for HERPES SIMPLEX are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

disease herpes simplex infectious disease congenital herpes simplex virus infection prevention target

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Atrium Health ID Consultants & Infusion Care Specialists

    Charlotte, North Carolina, 28207, United States

  • Children's Nebraska

    Omaha, Nebraska, 68114-4108, United States

  • Children's of Alabama Child Health Research Unit (CHRU)

    Birmingham, Alabama, 35233-0011, United States

  • Emory University School of Medicine

    Atlanta, Georgia, 30322-1014, United States

  • M Health Fairview Masonic Children's Hospital

    Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55454, United States

  • Medical College of Wisconsin

    Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53226-3522, United States

  • Nationwide Children's Hospital

    Columbus, Ohio, 43205-2664, United States

  • SUNY Upstate Medical University Hospital - Pediatrics

    Syracuse, New York, 13210-2342, United States

  • Steven and Alexandra Cohen Childrens Medical Center of New York - New Hyde Park - Infectious Disease

    Queens, New York, 11040, United States

  • University of Louisville School of Medicine - Norton Children's Hospital - Infectious Diseases

    Louisville, Kentucky, 40202, United States

  • University of Rochester Medical Center - Strong Memorial Hospital - Infectious Diseases

    Rochester, New York, 14642-0001, United States

  • Washington University in St. Louis

    St Louis, Missouri, 63110-1010, United States