This is a study to test the hypothesis that time to healing of a cold sore will be lower in the active treatment arm of the study when compared to the vehicle (placebo). Subjects with a history of cold sores will be enrolled and administered active treatment or placebo in a blinded manner. Subjects will then be followed to assess time to healing.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion criteria
. Be a healthy man or woman 18 years of age or older. Women who are pregnant, lactating or may become pregnant may (at the investigator's discretion) be included in the study;
. Have recurrent herpes labialis as defined by a history of three (3) or more cold sore recurrences on the lips and/or skin surrounding the lips in the previous year. The majority of their cold sore recurrences proceeded by a well-defined history of prodromal symptoms including redness, pain, burning, tingling, itching, swelling or a tight sensation of the lip at the site of the outbreak;
. Be willing to refrain from using systemic or topical antiviral agents or systemic corticosteroids within 4 weeks prior to study drug administration and for the duration of the cold sore recurrence;
. Be willing to refrain from using any topical pharmaceutical or cosmetic products other than the study medication in or around the nasal and perioral areas for the duration of the cold sore recurrence;
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Time to healing of the primary lesion complex (in days or fraction thereof) as assessed by the investigator.
Timeframe: Time to healing will be assessed from treatment onset to resolution of symptoms (maximum of 16 days)
. Be willing to refrain from participation in another clinical trial;
. Be willing and able to use phone or internet to obtain the combination to unlock their study medication kit;
. Be able to read and write in English and understand and comply with the protocol requirements;
. Be able to give informed consent and have signed a written informed consent form.
Exclusion criteria
. Known hypersensitivity to one of the drug ingredients, including soybean oil, polysorbate (Tween), alcohol, EDTA, or cetylpyridinium chloride (found in some mouthwashes and lozenges);
. Severe chronic illness including renal failure, severe respiratory or cardiac disease, chronic infections, immunodeficiency syndrome, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus or untreated severe thyroid disease;
. Received (within the last 6 months) or receiving chemotherapy;
. Significant skin disease on the face (such as atopic dermatitis, cystic acne, severe rosacea, eczema, psoriasis or other chronic vesiculobullous disorders) or lesions, wounds, abrasions, piercings, tattoos, irritation or other skin conditions on or around the nasal and perioral areas that would interfere with the treatment or assessment of the primary lesion complex. Subjects with mild controlled psoriasis, eczema, acne or dermatitis or other conditions may be included if the condition does not interfere with the ability to evaluate a herpes labialis lesion or local skin irritation;
. Previously received herpes vaccine;
. Active alcohol or drug abuse;
. Prior randomization into any NanoBio study;
. Any condition that would potentially make them unable to participate for the entire trial period;