Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) affects an estimated 500 million people globally, causing painful genital outbreaks, stigma, and a heightened risk of HIV transmission. Despite the massive public health burden, there is still no approved vaccine or cure for genital herpes.

What’s New: A Promising HSV-2 Vaccine from Moderna

Moderna’s investigational mRNA-1608 vaccine is showing unprecedented promise:

• 100% protection against lethal HSV-2 challenge in animal models
• No detectable latent virus in sensory neurons post-vaccination
• Dramatic reduction in viral shedding and transmission potential
• Strong safety and immune response in ongoing human trials (Phase 1/2)

This could be the first true HSV vaccine—but only if it gets the attention, funding, and fast-tracking it needs.

Fred Hutch’s Role in the Cure, Meanwhile, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center and other top U.S. research institutions are leading foundational studies into:

• Herpes latency and immune escape
• Therapeutic vaccine strategies
• mRNA platforms and viral immunology

What We’re Demanding:

1. Fast-track FDA review of Moderna’s mRNA-1608 vaccine
2. Authorize Emergency Use pathways if human safety and immune data support it
3. Substantially increase federal research funding (via NIH, BARDA, etc.) for HSV vaccines, cures, and latency reversal
4. Create donation-friendly channels to fund labs like Fred Hutch and HSV-focused biotech companies
5. Coordinate public-private partnerships to accelerate Phase 3 trials, manufacturing, and global access

Why This Matters:

• HSV-2 causes lifelong pain, stigma, and emotional trauma
• A vaccine or cure could prevent millions of new infections and reduce HIV risk
• HSV research is underfunded and overlooked, despite the scale of suffering
• We have the technology and momentum—we just need leadership and investment

 Join Us
Help us reach 100,000 signatures so that the FDA, NIH, Congress, and the White House hear our call:

• Support HSV-2 vaccine development and fund a cure.

Let’s end the silence around herpes. Let’s demand action. Let’s fight for health, dignity, and hope.