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Evaluating Benzoyl Peroxide for Preventing Recurrence of HSV-1 Outbreaks With Rescue Crossover Option

Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial Evaluating Benzoyl Peroxide for Preventing Recurrence of HSV-1 Outbreaks With Rescue Crossover Option

Status
Not yet recruiting
Phases
Phase 2
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT07032649
Enrollment
100
Registered
2025-06-24
Start date
2026-01-01
Completion date
2027-07-31
Last updated
2025-08-05

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

HSV

Keywords

HSV, HSV-1, HSV suppression, Herpes

Brief summary

Here's a clear, concise, and accurate \*\*brief summary\*\* suitable for your ClinicalTrials.gov PRS submission: * Brief Summary: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of topical Benzoyl Peroxide (10%) in preventing recurrent oral lesions caused by Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1). Participants who experience frequent HSV-1 outbreaks will be randomly assigned to either Benzoyl Peroxide or placebo treatment. The trial will be conducted via telehealth visits, with treatment provided remotely. The primary objective is to determine whether Benzoyl Peroxide significantly delays or prevents HSV-1 lesion recurrence compared to placebo. Secondary outcomes include evaluating recurrence frequency, lesion severity, healing duration, and participant satisfaction. The trial also incorporates a rescue crossover step, allowing placebo-group participants who experience recurrence to receive active treatment. Results from this pilot study will inform the potential use of Benzoyl Peroxide as a novel, accessible topical treatment option for recurrent HSV-1 outbreaks.

Detailed description

This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial investigating the effectiveness of topical Benzoyl Peroxide 10% cream in preventing the recurrence of oral lesions (cold sores) caused by Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1). The study is designed as a small-scale, pilot clinical trial conducted entirely via telehealth appointments, with treatment and placebo creams shipped directly to enrolled participants. Participants aged 18-65 with a documented history of at least two HSV-1 outbreaks per year will be enrolled and randomized into two groups: * \*\*Active Treatment Group\*\*: Receives topical Benzoyl Peroxide 10% cream. * \*\*Placebo Group\*\*: Receives an identical topical cream formulation without the active ingredient. All participants will be instructed to apply the assigned topical cream twice daily (morning and evening) at the onset of HSV-1 symptoms for a minimum of five days, continuing until lesions fully resolve or up to a maximum of 14 days. The primary objective of this clinical trial is to evaluate the efficacy of Benzoyl Peroxide 10% cream in extending the time until the recurrence of HSV-1 outbreaks within a 6-month follow-up period compared to placebo. Secondary outcomes include: * Evaluating the frequency of HSV-1 recurrences within 6 months. * Measuring the severity and duration of lesions and associated pain. * Determining participant satisfaction and overall treatment acceptability. * Assessing the effect of lesion anatomical location on recurrence patterns. A unique aspect of this trial is the inclusion of a \*\*rescue crossover procedure\*\*, where participants initially randomized to placebo who experience a confirmed recurrence at the previously treated site will be provided Benzoyl Peroxide 10% cream, ensuring ethical access to potentially effective treatment. To ensure unbiased trial conduct and data integrity, oversight measures have been implemented, including: * Independent Clinical Research Coordinator (with no financial interest) responsible for auditing data accuracy, protocol adherence, and regulatory compliance. * Supervising Physician (with no financial interest) providing clinical oversight and quality assurance of trial activities conducted by the Principal Investigator. Results from this trial aim to inform the potential efficacy and safety profile of Benzoyl Peroxide as a topical therapy for HSV-1 recurrence prevention, potentially supporting future FDA regulatory submissions or larger-scale clinical trials.

Interventions

Active ingredient for drug included. Blind identification by package number

OTHERPlacebo

Placebo that looks like active treatment, blinded but available to ID via package number

Sponsors

Greg Bew
Lead SponsorINDUSTRY

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
TRIPLE (Subject, Caregiver, Investigator)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 65 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

Adults aged 18-65 years, inclusive. Documented history of at least two HSV-1 outbreaks per year. Ability and willingness to participate fully via telehealth (including video visits). Must provide informed consent to participate in the trial. Ability to comply with the trial protocol, including symptom reporting, topical cream application, and follow-up telehealth appointments.

Exclusion criteria

Currently pregnant or breastfeeding, or plans to become pregnant during the study period. Known allergy or sensitivity to benzoyl peroxide or similar topical agents. Current participation in another clinical trial involving topical treatments. Medical conditions or skin conditions that could significantly interfere with topical treatment application or safety assessment. Inability to effectively participate in telehealth visits or use video-based symptom verification. Participants who, in the opinion of the investigator, are unlikely to comply fully with trial requirements or complete the 6-month follow-up period.

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Time to First Recurrence of HSV-1 Outbreaks Within 6 Months6 monthsThe primary outcome measure is the duration of time (measured in days) from initial treatment application until the participant experiences the first confirmed recurrence of an HSV-1 lesion. Recurrence is confirmed through telehealth video consultation and visual verification by the study team. The maximum observation period for each participant is 6 months following initial treatment. The effectiveness of topical Benzoyl Peroxide (10%) versus placebo in prolonging recurrence-free intervals will be evaluated using Kaplan-Meier analysis.

Countries

United States

Contacts

Primary ContactGreg Bew, MS
business@errollmccoy.com833-203-4773
Backup ContactKeri Fischer, MS
kfischer@errollmccoy.com

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026