[Treatment of recurrent herpes simplex with thymopoietin-pentapeptide]

Treatment resistant recurrent herpes simplex persisting for years in 7 patients was treated with thymopoietin pentapeptide for 6 weeks, 50 mg subcutaneously three times per week. During treatment and follow-up of 6 weeks a pronounced reduction of frequency and duration of recurrences were observed. There was some tendency for normalisation of deranged lymphocyte and granulocyte function. The mode of action of thymopoietin pentapeptide in recurrent herpes simplex remains uncertain. An indirect effect via stimulation of production of interferon may be assumed.