FDA approves herpes treatment for HIV-positive adults

The Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday approved the use of the herpes treatment Valtrex to treat recurrent genital herpes in HIV-positive adults. The drug, manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline, is the only antiviral approved in the United States for suppression of recurrent genital herpes in HIV-positive people. Company officials estimate that between 58% and 81% of the country's estimated 900,000 HIV-positive residents also are infected with genital herpes. Studies have shown that herpes outbreaks occur more frequently and more severely in people also coinfected with HIV. "We are pleased to further expand the use of suppressive therapy with Valtrex to include HIV-infected individuals," said Clarence Young, vice president of clinical development and medical affairs at Glaxo.