Herpes ‘cure’ developed at Porton Down

Press, 16 June 1983, Page 24

Herpes ‘cure’ developed at Porton Down

NZPA London British doctors have discovered a cure for the dreaded sexual disease, genital herpes, says the masscirculation “Daily Star” newspaper. The vaccine has already been tested successfully on British sufferers.

The discovery was made by Government scientists at the Centre for Applied Microbiology and Research at Porton Down, Wiltshire. The highly contagious complaint, which causes painful sores, had struck millions of people worldwide, wrecking lives and marriages, said the “Star.” A bitter joke among sufferers is that the difference between love and herpes is that herpes lasts for ever. Scientists in Australia,

America, and several other countries have been desperately trying to find a cure. The scientists at Porton Down think that the discovery may have a bonus effect — cutting the rate of cervical cancer. Many think herpes is a factor in causing this.

Dr Peter Sutton, director at Porton Down, told the “Star”: “This vaccine has great potential. Initial results on patients are most promising.” A research group at Birmingham University was the first to develop the vaccine.

The Porton Down team improved it, and is now taking' out patents to prevent exploitation by foreign drug companies.