HSVPhase 1NCT03661541
Immune Response and General Immune Health in Subjects Infected With Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1)
A Phase 1 study testing Squaric Acid Dibutyl Ester in people with HSV and Herpes Labialis, run by Squarex, LLC at 1 site in United States.
Trial summary
Subjects were recruited who were positive for antibody against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and self-reported having in the previous 12 months 6 or more herpes labialis outbreaks (group A), 1 or 2 outbreaks (group B), or zero outbreaks (group C). Twelve subjects in each group were recruited. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 65 years
- Conditions the study is for
- HSV, Herpes Labialis
- What is being tested?
- Squaric Acid Dibutyl Ester
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 36 participants
- Where
- 1 siteUnited States
- Study dates
- 2 Mar 2017to 25 Oct 2017
- Phase
- Phase 1
- Are there results?
- Yes, posted in the registrySummary in the doctors' view
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 65 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Age ≥18 and <65
- Positive test for IgG against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1).
- Groups A and B only: Clinical diagnosis of herpes labialis, which may be made at the screening visit based on the patient's self-reported history of symptoms. An active herpes labialis outbreak at the time of entry into the clinical trial will neither be required nor will be an exclusion criteria.
- Group A only: Self report having six or more episodes of herpes labialis in the past 12 months. Subjects will NOT be told that six-or-more episodes in the previous 12 months is the entry criterion. Subjects will be asked "How many separate episodes of cold sores have you had in the previous 12 months?" They will be included if they give an answer of six or more and excluded from Group A if they give an answer of five or fewer.
- Group A only: At least half of the subject's episodes of the previous 12 months should be vesicular in nature and at least half preceded by prodromal symptoms.
- Group B only: Self report having exactly 1 or 2 episodes of herpes labialis in the past 12 months. Subjects will NOT be told that one or two episodes in the previous 12 months is the entry criterion. Subjects will be asked "How many separate episodes of cold sores have you had in the previous 12 months?" They will be included if they give an answer of one or two and excluded from Group B if they give a different answer.
- Group C only: Self report having zero episodes of herpes labialis in the past 12 months. Subjects will NOT be told that zero episodes in the previous 12 months is the entry criterion. Subjects will be asked "How many separate episodes of cold sores have you had in the previous 12 months?" They will be included if they give an answer of zero and excluded from Group C if they give an answer of one or more.
Who cannot join
- Pregnant or lactating females.
- Current or recurrent non-herpetic infection or any underlying condition that may predispose to infection or anyone who has been admitted to the hospital due to bacteremia, pneumonia or any other serious infection in the last 12 months.
- Therapy with glucocorticoid or immunosuppressants at time of recruitment or within past 4 weeks prior to the screening visit (including inhaled corticosteroids for asthma), except for topical steroids in sites other than face.
- History of malignancy (except patients with surgically cured basal cell or squamous cell skin cancers).
- History of organ transplantation.
- HIV-positive status determined by history at screening or known history of any other immunosuppressive disease.
Show all 15Show fewer
- Severe co-morbidities (diabetes mellitus requiring insulin, CHF (NYHA class II or worse) MI, CVA or TIA within 3 months of screening visit, unstable angina pectoris, oxygen-dependent severe pulmonary disease
- Known hypersensitivity to Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO).
- Any condition judged by the investigator to cause this clinical trial to be detrimental to the patient.
- Subject is currently enrolled in another investigational device or drug trial(s), or subject has received other investigational agent(s) within 28 days of baseline visit.
- Previous exposure to SADBE (squaric acid or squaric acid dibutyl ester).
- Subject has an abnormal skin condition (e.g., acne, eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, albinism, or chronic vesiculo-bullous disorder) that occurs in the area ordinarily affected by herpes labialis.
- Subject has had a vaccine for either HSV-1 or HSV-2.
- Group A only: People that have had treatment with anti viral therapy within 2 weeks before sensitization dose of SADBE.
- Groups B and C only: People that have had treatment with anti-viral therapy any time in the past 12 months.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
United States1 site
Prism Clinical Research, LLC
Saint Paul, Minnesota, 55114
About this study
Official title: A Phase I Study of the Immune Response to Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1) and General Immune Health in Subjects Infected With HSV-1
Subjects were recruited who were positive for antibody against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and self-reported having in the previous 12 months
- 6 or more herpes labialis outbreaks (group A),
- 1 or 2 outbreaks (group B), or
- zero outbreaks (group C). Twelve subjects in each group were recruited. Blood was collected from these persons and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated and tested for proliferation in vitro when stimulated with HSV-1-infected cell extracts, free HSV-1 virus, or Candida albicans extract. Candida albicans is a ubiquitous infectious fungus and its extract is used as a test of general immune response. RNA was also isolated from the PBMCs after incubation in the three stimuli and expression of 41 immune-related genes quantified by quantitative real-time PCR. Also serum anti-HSV-1 IgG levels were quantified.
After the blood collection on day 1, the persons in group A (frequent cold sore sufferers) were treated with a single topical application of 2% squaric acid dibutyl ester (SADBE) in DMSO, applied to the inner aspect of the upper arm. These subjects returned on days 15 and 57 for blood collection, and their PBMCs were tested again on those dates for proliferation in vitro against the same stimuli and for gene expression and for serum anti-HSV-1 IgG levels.
Read the detailed description
Primary oral infection with the herpes simplex virus (HSV) typically occurs at a young age, is asymptomatic, and is not associated with significant morbidity. After primary oral infection, HSV may persist in a latent state in the trigeminal ganglion and later reactivate as the more common herpes labialis, or "cold sores." Common triggers for reactivation are well known and include ultraviolet light, trauma, fatigue, stress, fever, inflammation, and menstruation. These lesions affect up to 45 percent of the U.S. population. They classically manifest as a well-localized cluster of small vesicles along the vermilion border of the lip or adjacent skin. The vesicles subsequently rupture, ulcerate, and crust within 24 to 48 hours. Spontaneous healing occurs over seven to 10 days. In immunocompetent patients, herpes labialis usually is mild and self-limited. However, pain, swelling, and cosmetic concerns may prompt physician consultation. Orally administered antiviral agents, such as acyclovir (Zovirax) or valacyclovir (Valtrex), have a modest clinical benefit if initiated during the prodrome. Topical treatment with 1% penciclovir cream (Denavir) may reduce healing time and pain slightly, even if initiated after the prodrome. However, reduction in healing time with systemic or topical agents is modest. Squaric acid dibutyl ester (SADBE) is a topical immunotherapeutic agent used in the treatment of verruca vulgaris and alopecia areata. During a recent FDA Compounding Advisory Committee Meeting, it was recommended that squaric acid dibutylester be included on the list of bulk drug substances allowed for use in compounding under section 503A of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. And SADBE has now been so listed under section 503A. A study completed by Lee et al of 29 patients with recalcitrant warts demonstrated complete clearance in 69% of patients with application every 2-4 weeks. Silverberg et al showed a complete clearance in 58% of patients (n=61) when SADBE was applied 3 times weekly. SADBE has also been used with some success in the treatment of alopecia areata. In a review of the literature, Rokhsar et al noted a 50% to 60% success rate of SADBE in use for hair re-growth in this population. SADBE has been reported to cause eczema, lymphadenopathy, blistering, allergic contact dermatitis, skin hypopigmentation, a burning sensation after application, and systemic reactions including fever and arthralgias. A study completed by Oglio et al of eight patients treated with SADBE for warts noted only mild and well tolerated side effects of erythema, desquamation, cutaneous edema, pruritus, burning, and pain. SADBE induces a delayed-type hypersensitivity response which in warts, is believed to induce the killing of virally infected cells by cytotoxic lymphocytes. This influx of lymphocytes into lesional Page 4 of 14 tissue may also enhance the recognition and processing of viral antigens, leading to clonal expansion of effector cells. It is hoped that SADBE will offer subjects a safe and effective therapeutic option to decrease the frequency and severity of future herpes labialis outbreaks through these mechanisms. A placebo-controlled clinical study completed at Massachusetts General Hospital showed that squaric acid prevented recurrence of herpetic lesions. The effect of SADBE of delaying new herpes labialis outbreaks was highly significant (p<0.01) as compared to placebo.
- Conditions
- HSV, Herpes Labialis
- Being tested
- Squaric Acid Dibutyl Ester
- Keywords
- Squaric Acid, Squaric acid dibutyl ester, cold sores
- Medical subject headings
- Herpes Labialis
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Squaric Acid Dibutyl EsterDrug
Also called SADBE
2% squaric acid dibutyl ester (SADBE) (Supplied by Squarex) is topically applied to the inner aspect of the upper arm of the subject and covered with Tegaderm. Subject is advised to wash it off after 3 hours.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Group A, 6 or more outbreaks per 12 months | Experimental | Subjects will be recruited in three groups, all of whom are infected with HSV-1, as shown by having IgG against HSV-1:
Group A: 12 subjects with 6 or more herpes labialis outbreaks in the past 12 months.
Subjects in group A will receive 2% Squaric Acid Dibutyl Ester (SADBE) dose on the arm after their initial blood samples are obtained. Group A subjects will have blood collected and tests repeated 2 and 8 weeks later.
Subjects in Groups B and C will be matched to the subjects in Group A so that demographic characteristics (i.e., gender distribution, age and weight) are within broadly similar ranges. Receives: Drug: Squaric Acid Dibutyl Ester |
| Group B, 1 or 2 outbreaks per 12 months | No intervention | Subjects will be recruited in three groups, all of whom are infected with HSV-1, as shown by having IgG against HSV-1: Group B: 12 subjects with 1 to 2 outbreaks in the past 12 months. Subjects in Groups B and C will be matched to the subjects in Group A so that demographic characteristics (i.e., gender distribution, age and weight) are within broadly similar ranges. Invite these back for a further blood draw on Day 0. |
| Group C, zero outbreaks per 12 months | No intervention | Subjects will be recruited in three groups, all of whom are infected with HSV-1, as shown by having IgG against HSV-1: Group C: 12 subjects with zero outbreaks in the past 12 months. Subjects in Groups B and C will be matched to the subjects in Group A so that demographic characteristics (i.e., gender distribution, age and weight) are within broadly similar ranges. Invite these back for a further blood draw on Day 0. |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Ratio of Absolute Gene Expression of IFNG and IL5 in PBMCs Between 8 Weeks and Baseline
RNA gene expression of interleukin-5 (IL5) and interferon gamma (IFNG) genes in PBMCs exposed in vitro to 4 conditions: no stimulus, HSV-1 virus, HSV-1-infected cell extracts, and Candida albicans extract. Measure is qRT-PCR crossing threshold (Ct), where a lower number is higher gene expression. A lower Ct of 1 is approximately a 2-fold higher expression level of the gene.
Measured: Baseline and 8 weeks after baseline (Day 1) +/- 7 days for subjects with less than 6 herpres labialis outbreaks in 12 months, relative to baseline for subjects with 6 or greater herpes labialis outbreaks
Immune Monitoring - PBMC Proliferation
PBMC proliferation in response to 3 stimuli: HSV-1 virus, HSV-1-infected cell extracts, and Candida albicans extract.
Measured: Baseline
Immune Monitoring - PBMC Proliferation
PBMC proliferation in response to 3 stimuli: HSV-1 virus, HSV-1-infected cell extracts, and Candida albicans extract.
Measured: Day 1 and 8 weeks from Day 1 (Initial visit) +/- 7 days for subjects with 6 or more herpes labalis outbreaks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted7 Sep 2018
- Study start2 Mar 2017
- Primary completion17 Jun 2017
- Study completion25 Oct 2017
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Posted resultsParticipant flow, outcome measures and adverse events reported by the sponsor.
- Publications (1)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for HSVStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase 1
- Primary purpose
- Screening
- Allocation
- Non-randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Subjects will be recruited in three groups, all of whom are infected with HSV-1, as shown by having IgG against HSV-1: x Group A: 12 subjects with 6 or more herpes labialis outbreaks in the past 12 months x Group B: 12 subjects with 1 to 2 outbreaks in the past 12 months x Group C: 12 subjects with zero outbreaks in the past 12 months Subjects in group A will receive 2% SADBE dose on the arm after their initial blood samples are obtained. Group A subjects will have blood collected and tests repeated 2 and 8 weeks later. Subjects in Groups B and C will be matched to the subjects in Group A so that demographic characteristics (i.e., gender distribution, age and weight) are within broadly similar ranges.
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 36 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Squarex, LLC
- Sponsor type
- Industry (pharma, biotech, devices)
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Mark Matson, MD, Principal investigator, Prism Clinical Research
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT03661541
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 2017-SQ-Prism
- Status last verified
- Oct 2021
- First submitted
- 1 May 2018
- Last updated
- 3 Nov 2021
- Results posted
- Yes, on ClinicalTrials.gov
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- Yes
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
McTavish H, Zerebiec KW, Zeller JC, Shekels LL, Matson MA, Kren BT. Immune characteristics correlating with HSV-1 immune control and effect of squaric acid dibutyl ester on immune characteristics of subjects with frequent herpes labialis episodes. Immun Inflamm Dis. 2019 Mar;7(1):22-40. doi: 10.1002/iid3.241. Epub 2019 Feb 12.
PubMed 30756512
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 3 Nov 2021. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- A Phase I Study of the Immune Response to Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1) and General Immune Health in Subjects Infected With HSV-1
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT03661541
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 2017-SQ-Prism
- Conditions
- HSV, Herpes Labialis
- Keywords
- Squaric Acid, Squaric acid dibutyl ester, cold sores
- Phase
- Phase 1
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 36 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Squarex, LLCIndustry (pharma, biotech, devices)
- Study start
- 2 Mar 2017 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 17 Jun 2017 (actual)
- Study completion
- 25 Oct 2017 (actual)
- First posted
- 7 Sep 2018 (actual)
- Results
- Posted 3 Nov 2021
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Subjects were recruited who were positive for antibody against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and self-reported having in the previous 12 months
- 6 or more herpes labialis outbreaks (group A),
- 1 or 2 outbreaks (group B), or
- zero outbreaks (group C). Twelve subjects in each group were recruited. Blood was collected from these persons and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated and tested for proliferation in vitro when stimulated with HSV-1-infected cell extracts, free HSV-1 virus, or Candida albicans extract. Candida albicans is a ubiquitous infectious fungus and its extract is used as a test of general immune response. RNA was also isolated from the PBMCs after incubation in the three stimuli and expression of 41 immune-related genes quantified by quantitative real-time PCR. Also serum anti-HSV-1 IgG levels were quantified.
After the blood collection on day 1, the persons in group A (frequent cold sore sufferers) were treated with a single topical application of 2% squaric acid dibutyl ester (SADBE) in DMSO, applied to the inner aspect of the upper arm. These subjects returned on days 15 and 57 for blood collection, and their PBMCs were tested again on those dates for proliferation in vitro against the same stimuli and for gene expression and for serum anti-HSV-1 IgG levels.
Detailed description
Primary oral infection with the herpes simplex virus (HSV) typically occurs at a young age, is asymptomatic, and is not associated with significant morbidity. After primary oral infection, HSV may persist in a latent state in the trigeminal ganglion and later reactivate as the more common herpes labialis, or "cold sores." Common triggers for reactivation are well known and include ultraviolet light, trauma, fatigue, stress, fever, inflammation, and menstruation. These lesions affect up to 45 percent of the U.S. population. They classically manifest as a well-localized cluster of small vesicles along the vermilion border of the lip or adjacent skin. The vesicles subsequently rupture, ulcerate, and crust within 24 to 48 hours. Spontaneous healing occurs over seven to 10 days. In immunocompetent patients, herpes labialis usually is mild and self-limited. However, pain, swelling, and cosmetic concerns may prompt physician consultation. Orally administered antiviral agents, such as acyclovir (Zovirax) or valacyclovir (Valtrex), have a modest clinical benefit if initiated during the prodrome. Topical treatment with 1% penciclovir cream (Denavir) may reduce healing time and pain slightly, even if initiated after the prodrome. However, reduction in healing time with systemic or topical agents is modest. Squaric acid dibutyl ester (SADBE) is a topical immunotherapeutic agent used in the treatment of verruca vulgaris and alopecia areata. During a recent FDA Compounding Advisory Committee Meeting, it was recommended that squaric acid dibutylester be included on the list of bulk drug substances allowed for use in compounding under section 503A of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. And SADBE has now been so listed under section 503A. A study completed by Lee et al of 29 patients with recalcitrant warts demonstrated complete clearance in 69% of patients with application every 2-4 weeks. Silverberg et al showed a complete clearance in 58% of patients (n=61) when SADBE was applied 3 times weekly. SADBE has also been used with some success in the treatment of alopecia areata. In a review of the literature, Rokhsar et al noted a 50% to 60% success rate of SADBE in use for hair re-growth in this population. SADBE has been reported to cause eczema, lymphadenopathy, blistering, allergic contact dermatitis, skin hypopigmentation, a burning sensation after application, and systemic reactions including fever and arthralgias. A study completed by Oglio et al of eight patients treated with SADBE for warts noted only mild and well tolerated side effects of erythema, desquamation, cutaneous edema, pruritus, burning, and pain. SADBE induces a delayed-type hypersensitivity response which in warts, is believed to induce the killing of virally infected cells by cytotoxic lymphocytes. This influx of lymphocytes into lesional Page 4 of 14 tissue may also enhance the recognition and processing of viral antigens, leading to clonal expansion of effector cells. It is hoped that SADBE will offer subjects a safe and effective therapeutic option to decrease the frequency and severity of future herpes labialis outbreaks through these mechanisms. A placebo-controlled clinical study completed at Massachusetts General Hospital showed that squaric acid prevented recurrence of herpetic lesions. The effect of SADBE of delaying new herpes labialis outbreaks was highly significant (p<0.01) as compared to placebo.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Screening
- Allocation
- Non-randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 3
- Model description
- Subjects will be recruited in three groups, all of whom are infected with HSV-1, as shown by having IgG against HSV-1: x Group A: 12 subjects with 6 or more herpes labialis outbreaks in the past 12 months x Group B: 12 subjects with 1 to 2 outbreaks in the past 12 months x Group C: 12 subjects with zero outbreaks in the past 12 months Subjects in group A will receive 2% SADBE dose on the arm after their initial blood samples are obtained. Group A subjects will have blood collected and tests repeated 2 and 8 weeks later. Subjects in Groups B and C will be matched to the subjects in Group A so that demographic characteristics (i.e., gender distribution, age and weight) are within broadly similar ranges.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Group A, 6 or more outbreaks per 12 months | Experimental | Drug: Squaric Acid Dibutyl EsterSubjects will be recruited in three groups, all of whom are infected with HSV-1, as shown by having IgG against HSV-1: Group A: 12 subjects with 6 or more herpes labialis outbreaks in the past 12 months. Subjects in group A will receive 2% Squaric Acid Dibutyl Ester (SADBE) dose on the arm after their initial blood samples are obtained. Group A subjects will have blood collected and tests repeated 2 and 8 weeks later. Subjects in Groups B and C will be matched to the subjects in Group A so that demographic characteristics (i.e., gender distribution, age and weight) are within broadly similar ranges. |
| Group B, 1 or 2 outbreaks per 12 months | No intervention | –Subjects will be recruited in three groups, all of whom are infected with HSV-1, as shown by having IgG against HSV-1: Group B: 12 subjects with 1 to 2 outbreaks in the past 12 months. Subjects in Groups B and C will be matched to the subjects in Group A so that demographic characteristics (i.e., gender distribution, age and weight) are within broadly similar ranges. Invite these back for a further blood draw on Day 0. |
| Group C, zero outbreaks per 12 months | No intervention | –Subjects will be recruited in three groups, all of whom are infected with HSV-1, as shown by having IgG against HSV-1: Group C: 12 subjects with zero outbreaks in the past 12 months. Subjects in Groups B and C will be matched to the subjects in Group A so that demographic characteristics (i.e., gender distribution, age and weight) are within broadly similar ranges. Invite these back for a further blood draw on Day 0. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (7 listed)
- Age ≥18 and <65
- Positive test for IgG against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1).
- Groups A and B only: Clinical diagnosis of herpes labialis, which may be made at the screening visit based on the patient's self-reported history of symptoms. An active herpes labialis outbreak at the time of entry into the clinical trial will neither be required nor will be an exclusion criteria.
- Group A only: Self report having six or more episodes of herpes labialis in the past 12 months. Subjects will NOT be told that six-or-more episodes in the previous 12 months is the entry criterion. Subjects will be asked "How many separate episodes of cold sores have you had in the previous 12 months?" They will be included if they give an answer of six or more and excluded from Group A if they give an answer of five or fewer.
- Group A only: At least half of the subject's episodes of the previous 12 months should be vesicular in nature and at least half preceded by prodromal symptoms.
Key exclusion criteria (15 listed)
- Pregnant or lactating females.
- Current or recurrent non-herpetic infection or any underlying condition that may predispose to infection or anyone who has been admitted to the hospital due to bacteremia, pneumonia or any other serious infection in the last 12 months.
- Therapy with glucocorticoid or immunosuppressants at time of recruitment or within past 4 weeks prior to the screening visit (including inhaled corticosteroids for asthma), except for topical steroids in sites other than face.
- History of malignancy (except patients with surgically cured basal cell or squamous cell skin cancers).
- History of organ transplantation.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Squaric Acid Dibutyl EsterAlso: SADBE2% squaric acid dibutyl ester (SADBE) (Supplied by Squarex) is topically applied to the inner aspect of the upper arm of the subject and covered with Tegaderm. Subject is advised to wash it off after 3 hours. | Drug | Group A, 6 or more outbreaks per 12 months |
Primary outcome
Ratio of Absolute Gene Expression of IFNG and IL5 in PBMCs Between 8 Weeks and Baseline
Time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks after baseline (Day 1) +/- 7 days for subjects with less than 6 herpres labialis outbreaks in 12 months, relative to baseline for subjects with 6 or greater herpes labialis outbreaks
RNA gene expression of interleukin-5 (IL5) and interferon gamma (IFNG) genes in PBMCs exposed in vitro to 4 conditions: no stimulus, HSV-1 virus, HSV-1-infected cell extracts, and Candida albicans extract. Measure is qRT-PCR crossing threshold (Ct), where a lower number is higher gene expression. A lower Ct of 1 is approximately a 2-fold higher expression level of the gene.
Immune Monitoring - PBMC Proliferation
Time frame: Baseline
PBMC proliferation in response to 3 stimuli: HSV-1 virus, HSV-1-infected cell extracts, and Candida albicans extract.
Immune Monitoring - PBMC Proliferation
Time frame: Day 1 and 8 weeks from Day 1 (Initial visit) +/- 7 days for subjects with 6 or more herpes labalis outbreaks
PBMC proliferation in response to 3 stimuli: HSV-1 virus, HSV-1-infected cell extracts, and Candida albicans extract.
Results and safety
Loading the posted results from ClinicalTrials.gov…
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 3 Nov 2021.
- Posted resultsParticipant flow, baseline, all outcome measures and adverse events.
- Results publication: PubMed 30756512McTavish H, Zerebiec KW, Zeller JC, Shekels LL, Matson MA, Kren BT. Immune characteristics correlating with HSV-1 immune control and effect of squaric acid dibutyl ester on immune characteristics of subjects with frequent herpes labialis episodes. Immun Inflamm Dis. 2019 Mar;7(1):22-40. doi: 10.1002/iid3.241. Epub 2019 Feb 12.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Mark Matson, MD principal investigator
Prism Clinical Research
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A Phase 1 study testing Squaric Acid Dibutyl Ester in people with HSV and Herpes Labialis, run by Squarex, LLC at 1 site in United States.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 7 inclusion and 15 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 3 Nov 2021. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
What does this phase mean?
Phase 1 studies test a treatment in a small group of people for the first time or in a new way, mainly to check safety and find the right dose.
Not every study follows the same path, and some studies (observational studies, device studies) have no phase.
Are results available for this study?
Yes. Results are posted in the registry (first posted 3 Nov 2021). A summary is in the For doctors view, and the full results are on ClinicalTrials.gov.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Ratio of Absolute Gene Expression of IFNG and IL5 in PBMCs Between 8 Weeks and Baseline (time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks after baseline (Day 1) +/- 7 days for subjects with less than 6 herpres labialis outbreaks in 12 months, relative to baseline for subjects with 6 or greater herpes labialis outbreaks). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT03661541, which also lists 1 linked publication.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 3 Nov 2021.