Resiquimod: a new immune response modifier with potential as a vaccine adjuvant for Th1 immune responses

Genital herpes is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases worldwide. Currently, there are three FDA-approved nucleoside analogs and other therapies such as foscarnet and cidofovir used to treat genital herpes. Resiquimod, the latest immune response modifier (IRM), has shown in vivo evidence of efficacy against herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 2. The first clinical trial involving resiquimod demonstrated that it reduced the recurrence rate of genital herpes, but phase III trials were suspended due to lack of efficacy. Resiquimod shows promise for other viral infections and as a vaccine adjuvant.