ViraDerm Treatments

ViraDERM, by Empire Pharmaceutical Inc., is a patented, nonprescription topical preparation marketed for the treatment of herpes-induced cold sores. Its ingredients, stannous fluoride and glycerin, are "Generally Recognized as Safe and Effective" (GRASE) for application to the oral cavity by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The subject of an FDA-granted "Investigational New Drug Application" (IND), VIRADERM was tested in a controlled clinical trial where it outperformed placebo by its ability to shorten healing time and prevent new lesions from forming. Rigorous in vitro testing by a prestigious virology laboratory showed that VIRADERM may be directly virucidal and unlikely to induce drug resistance. Intriguing accounts from practitioners and patients who have used VIRADERM for herpes infections other than cold sores, have lead to clinical investigations for these conditions.

Herpes Virus Groups

Herpes is a virus that causes non-curable infections with symptoms ranging from embarrassing to painful and debilitating.  The term "herpes" derives from an ancient Greek word meaning, "to creep, or crawl".  Three types of infections are caused by the virus: the Herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) gives rise to cold sores around the mouth and nose; virtually the same virus, called Herpes simplex-2 (HSV-2), causes Genital Herpes; and the Herpes zoster Varicells virus (HZV) is responsible for Chickenpox and shingles.   Viruses injure tissue when they reproduce, or replicate, commandeering the reproductive machinery of the host cell. Each form of herpes replicates in the same way.

The infections are not curable, sometimes hiding for years in the body’s nerve cells (facial nerve cells-HSV-1, near the spinal column-HSV-2) as a dormant or latent ailment when not active. "Outbreaks" are stimulated by factors such as stress, reactions to drugs, intense sunlight, fever or trauma.

HSV-1 and HSV-2 are contagious, passing from one person to another-the first by kissing and the latter by sexual contact.  HZV, while not communicable as shingles, is transmitted as Chickenpox.

Physicians and healthcare professionals diagnose and treat both Genital Herpes-HSV II and Shingles-HZV. 

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD).  Present as rupturing blisters in its most virulent phase, it is highly contagious, often painful, and may be accompanied by flu-like symptoms. The disease causes difficulty in sexual relations and frequently leads to psychological distress.  Those infected typically suffer four or five outbreaks a year.  The sores take between 2 to 4 weeks to heal.  The disease causes complications in pregnancy and potentially fatal infections in babies.

 Herpes Simplex-1 (cold sores) is a self- treatable condition, therefore less likely to be seen by clinicians. From the first sign of an outbreak – a tingling on the lip – to full bloom with a very red, somewhat painful and often ulcerative nodule, the outbreak usually lasts 7-10 days. Many times, sufferers don’t even get to doctors until the disease has passed its peak – with nothing left to resolve the infection but time.  The topical antiviral medicines are only marginally effective--shortening healing times by no more than 12 hours.  They remain available by prescription solely for their propensity to elicit viral resistance, a public health concern.