The virus causes painful blisters on the genitals and the surrounding areas, and because it can be passed to others through sexual contact, it is often referred to as a sexually transmitted infection, or STI.
Also known as HSV, herpes can affect any mucous membrane - or moist lining in the body, such as the mouth where the virus manifests itself as cold sores.
The cure is targeted at HSV-2 - a strain of the virus which causes causes genital herpes.
HSV-1 is mainly transmitted by oral-to-oral contact to cause oral herpes.
