UW research study

[Hopeful heart]

This is not quite a clinical trial, but a research study by University of Washington. 

Not sure if the website is up to date, but it says that they are paying the volunteers:

 

http://depts.washington.edu/herpes/studies/display/genital_herpes_and_immune_memory_study

The University of Washington is seeking volunteers for a genital herpes (HSV-2) study. The purpose of this study is to learn more about the body’s immune response to genital herpes infections. This will be done by looking at tissue collected from genital skin biopsies and cervical biopsies (women only).We will also look at viral shedding (when the virus is present on the genital skin, sometimes even without symptoms).

Participants will undergo a Screening Visit to see whether they are eligible. This visit will involve a blood test for HSV and HIV. The study may last for up to one year and involve 5 study visits. All visits will include genital biopsies and cervical biopsies (women only), and blood draws. If you are taking HSV suppressive therapy you will be asked to stop taking the medication during the study. However, you will be able to treat individual outbreaks.  

To be eligible for the study you must:

Be 18 years of age or older
Test positive for HSV-2 antibodies by a blood test
Experience genital herpes outbreaks

Conditions which would prevent you from participating in this study:

HIV positive
Currently pregnant or breastfeeding

Compensation:

Participants will be compensated $1150 for the entire study.
Women will receive an additional $300 for female-specific specimen collection.

[T9000]

This is good but it seems like researchers almost focus too exclusively on herpes in women.

[WilsoInAus]

5 minutes ago, T9000 said:

This is good but it seems like researchers almost focus too exclusively on herpes in women.

What do you mean, if anything it’s more restrictive on women entering the survey.

The trial is open to both men and women.

[T9000]

On 9/6/2019 at 12:37 AM, WilsoInAus said:

What do you mean, if anything it’s more restrictive on women entering the survey.

The trial is open to both men and women.

I misread. 

[Hopeful heart]

On 8/27/2019 at 10:15 PM, Hopeful heart said:

All visits will include genital biopsies and cervical biopsies (women only), and blood draws

@T9000

I think the extra money for women has to do with the cervical biopsies - more invasive process.  However, yes, men can also participate.

I thought this was good to share.  It's too far away for me, but it gave me the idea not just to check for clinical trials. Other universities may have related  studies.  Nice to be paid for participation.

[T9000]

15 hours ago, Hopeful heart said:

@T9000

I think the extra money for women has to do with the cervical biopsies - more invasive process.  However, yes, men can also participate.

I thought this was good to share.  It's too far away for me, but it gave me the idea not just to check for clinical trials. Other universities may have related  studies.  Nice to be paid for participation.

Yes thanks for sharing. Pretty much any research is good research when it comes to something as overlooked as herpes. One thing I really wish they would study is the genetic/medical profiles of people who are highly symptomatic vs people who are asymptomatic. (Unless these kinds of studies have already been done, if so someone please let me know.) I can't help but think that there must be some sort of patterns that exist among those who are at opposite ends of the spectrum. It's certainly true for HIV.