Trial Outcomes & Findings for Neonatal Phase 1 Valacyclovir Study (NCT NCT05468619)

NCT ID: NCT05468619

Last Updated: 2026-07-23

Results Overview

Pharmacokinetics (PK) parameters were estimated from the Acyclovir plasma concentration-time data after one of the doses received on Study Day 5 (window: Study Day 4 through Study Day 5 around either dose 7, 8, 9, or 10 of the study drug; samples were only collected after one of these doses) using Phoenix WinNonlin Non-compartmental analysis. The estimate assumes steady state has been achieved. As blood was only collected up to 8-10 hours post dose, log-linear interpolation was used to calculate the AUC12.

Recruitment status

COMPLETED

Study phase

PHASE1

Target enrollment

17 participants

Primary outcome timeframe

0 hour minus 15 minutes (pre-dose), 1-2 hours, 4-6 hours, and 8-10 hours post one of the Day 5 doses

Results posted on

2026-07-23

Participant Flow

The study population included neonates delivered to mothers receiving oral valacyclovir therapy (or equivalent antiviral drug) for suppression of genital herpes simplex virus (HSV) recurrences at the end of pregnancy and were within the first two days of life. Participants were enrolled from three sites in the United States between August 7, 2023 and June 4, 2025.

Participant milestones

Participant milestones
Measure
Cohort 1: 10 mg/kg Valacyclovir
Neonates who were at risk of acquiring neonatal herpes simplex virus disease received 10 mg/kg of valacyclovir administered orally two times daily for 5 days.
Cohort 2: 20 mg/kg Valacyclovir
Neonates who were at risk of acquiring neonatal herpes simplex virus disease received 20 mg/kg of valacyclovir administered orally two times daily for 5 days.
Overall Study
STARTED
15
2
Overall Study
COMPLETED
11
2
Overall Study
NOT COMPLETED
4
0

Reasons for withdrawal

Reasons for withdrawal
Measure
Cohort 1: 10 mg/kg Valacyclovir
Neonates who were at risk of acquiring neonatal herpes simplex virus disease received 10 mg/kg of valacyclovir administered orally two times daily for 5 days.
Cohort 2: 20 mg/kg Valacyclovir
Neonates who were at risk of acquiring neonatal herpes simplex virus disease received 20 mg/kg of valacyclovir administered orally two times daily for 5 days.
Overall Study
Lost to Follow-up
2
0
Overall Study
Enrolled but treatment not administered
1
0
Overall Study
Voluntary withdrawal by participant's parent/guardian
1
0

Baseline Characteristics

Neonatal Phase 1 Valacyclovir Study

Baseline characteristics by cohort

Baseline characteristics by cohort
Measure
Cohort 1: 10 mg/kg Valacyclovir
n=15 Participants
Neonates who were at risk of acquiring neonatal herpes simplex virus disease received 10 mg/kg of valacyclovir administered orally two times daily for 5 days.
Cohort 2: 20 mg/kg Valacyclovir
n=2 Participants
Neonates who were at risk of acquiring neonatal herpes simplex virus disease received 20 mg/kg of valacyclovir administered orally two times daily for 5 days.
Total
n=17 Participants
Total of all reporting groups
Age, Continuous
1.5 days
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.5 • n=9 Participants
1.5 days
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.7 • n=27 Participants
1.5 days
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.5 • n=267 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Female
4 Participants
n=9 Participants
0 Participants
n=27 Participants
4 Participants
n=267 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
11 Participants
n=9 Participants
2 Participants
n=27 Participants
13 Participants
n=267 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Hispanic or Latino
1 Participants
n=9 Participants
0 Participants
n=27 Participants
1 Participants
n=267 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Not Hispanic or Latino
14 Participants
n=9 Participants
2 Participants
n=27 Participants
16 Participants
n=267 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
0 Participants
n=9 Participants
0 Participants
n=27 Participants
0 Participants
n=267 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
American Indian or Alaska Native
0 Participants
n=9 Participants
0 Participants
n=27 Participants
0 Participants
n=267 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Asian
0 Participants
n=9 Participants
0 Participants
n=27 Participants
0 Participants
n=267 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
0 Participants
n=9 Participants
0 Participants
n=27 Participants
0 Participants
n=267 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Black or African American
9 Participants
n=9 Participants
1 Participants
n=27 Participants
10 Participants
n=267 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
White
5 Participants
n=9 Participants
1 Participants
n=27 Participants
6 Participants
n=267 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
More than one race
1 Participants
n=9 Participants
0 Participants
n=27 Participants
1 Participants
n=267 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
0 Participants
n=9 Participants
0 Participants
n=27 Participants
0 Participants
n=267 Participants
Weight at Enrollment
3.160 kg
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.303 • n=9 Participants
3.165 kg
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.177 • n=27 Participants
3.161 kg
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.287 • n=267 Participants
Length at Enrollment
51.030 cm
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.381 • n=9 Participants
49.750 cm
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.354 • n=27 Participants
50.879 cm
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.363 • n=267 Participants
Gestational Age at Birth
39.1 weeks
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.5 • n=9 Participants
38.5 weeks
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.7 • n=27 Participants
39.0 weeks
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.5 • n=267 Participants
Weight at Birth
3.249 kg
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.325 • n=9 Participants
3.230 kg
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.269 • n=27 Participants
3.247 kg
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.312 • n=267 Participants

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: 0 hour minus 15 minutes (pre-dose), 1-2 hours, 4-6 hours, and 8-10 hours post one of the Day 5 doses

Population: The PK analysis population includes all participants who successfully complete the scheduled intensive PK sampling procedures and where the primary PK output variable (AUC12) can be determined.

Pharmacokinetics (PK) parameters were estimated from the Acyclovir plasma concentration-time data after one of the doses received on Study Day 5 (window: Study Day 4 through Study Day 5 around either dose 7, 8, 9, or 10 of the study drug; samples were only collected after one of these doses) using Phoenix WinNonlin Non-compartmental analysis. The estimate assumes steady state has been achieved. As blood was only collected up to 8-10 hours post dose, log-linear interpolation was used to calculate the AUC12.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Cohort 1: 10 mg/kg Valacyclovir
n=8 Participants
Neonates who were at risk of acquiring neonatal herpes simplex virus disease received 10 mg/kg of valacyclovir administered orally two times daily for 5 days.
Cohort 2: 20 mg/kg Valacyclovir
n=2 Participants
Neonates who were at risk of acquiring neonatal herpes simplex virus disease received 20 mg/kg of valacyclovir administered orally two times daily for 5 days.
Area Under the Concentration-Time Curve From 0 to 12 Hours (AUC12) of Acyclovir in Plasma
21.18 mg*h/L
Geometric Coefficient of Variation 21.66
44.10 mg*h/L
Geometric Coefficient of Variation 47.18

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 0 hour minus 15 minutes (pre-dose), 1-2 hours, 4-6 hours, and 8-10 hours post one of the Day 5 doses

Population: The PK analysis population includes all participants who successfully complete the scheduled intensive PK sampling procedures and where the primary PK output variable (AUC12) can be determined.

PK parameters were estimated from the Acyclovir plasma concentration-time data after one of the doses received on Study Day 5 (window: Study Day 4 through Study Day 5 around either dose 7, 8, 9, or 10 of the study drug; samples were only collected after one of these doses) using Phoenix WinNonlin Non-compartmental analysis. The estimate assumes steady state has been achieved.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Cohort 1: 10 mg/kg Valacyclovir
n=8 Participants
Neonates who were at risk of acquiring neonatal herpes simplex virus disease received 10 mg/kg of valacyclovir administered orally two times daily for 5 days.
Cohort 2: 20 mg/kg Valacyclovir
n=2 Participants
Neonates who were at risk of acquiring neonatal herpes simplex virus disease received 20 mg/kg of valacyclovir administered orally two times daily for 5 days.
Apparent Terminal Elimination Half-life (t1/2) of Acyclovir in Plasma
3.72 h
Geometric Coefficient of Variation 33.51
3.65 h
Geometric Coefficient of Variation 0.52

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 0 hour minus 15 minutes (pre-dose), 1-2 hours, 4-6 hours, and 8-10 hours post one of the Day 5 doses

Population: The PK analysis population includes all participants who successfully complete the scheduled intensive PK sampling procedures and where the primary PK output variable (AUC12) can be determined.

PK parameters were estimated from the Acyclovir plasma concentration-time data after one of the doses received on Study Day 5 (window: Study Day 4 through Study Day 5 around either dose 7, 8, 9, or 10 of the study drug; samples were only collected after one of these doses) using Phoenix WinNonlin Non-compartmental analysis. The estimate assumes steady state has been achieved.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Cohort 1: 10 mg/kg Valacyclovir
n=8 Participants
Neonates who were at risk of acquiring neonatal herpes simplex virus disease received 10 mg/kg of valacyclovir administered orally two times daily for 5 days.
Cohort 2: 20 mg/kg Valacyclovir
n=2 Participants
Neonates who were at risk of acquiring neonatal herpes simplex virus disease received 20 mg/kg of valacyclovir administered orally two times daily for 5 days.
Maximum Concentration (Cmax) of Acyclovir in Plasma
3037.47 ng/mL
Geometric Coefficient of Variation 14.30
5911.12 ng/mL
Geometric Coefficient of Variation 46.15

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 0 hour minus 15 minutes (pre-dose), 1-2 hours, 4-6 hours, and 8-10 hours post one of the Day 5 doses

Population: The PK analysis population includes all participants who successfully complete the scheduled intensive PK sampling procedures and where the primary PK output variable (AUC12) can be determined.

PK parameters were estimated from the Acyclovir plasma concentration-time data after one of the doses received on Study Day 5 (window: Study Day 4 through Study Day 5 around either dose 7, 8, 9, or 10 of the study drug; samples were only collected after one of these doses) using Phoenix WinNonlin Non-compartmental analysis. The estimate assumes steady state has been achieved.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Cohort 1: 10 mg/kg Valacyclovir
n=8 Participants
Neonates who were at risk of acquiring neonatal herpes simplex virus disease received 10 mg/kg of valacyclovir administered orally two times daily for 5 days.
Cohort 2: 20 mg/kg Valacyclovir
n=2 Participants
Neonates who were at risk of acquiring neonatal herpes simplex virus disease received 20 mg/kg of valacyclovir administered orally two times daily for 5 days.
Apparent Oral Clearance (CL/F) of Acyclovir in Plasma
1.41 L/h
Geometric Coefficient of Variation 25.63
1.42 L/h
Geometric Coefficient of Variation 52.14

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 0 hour minus 15 minutes (pre-dose), 1-2 hours, 4-6 hours, and 8-10 hours post one of the Day 5 doses

Population: The PK analysis population includes all participants who successfully complete the scheduled intensive PK sampling procedures and where the primary PK output variable (AUC12) can be determined.

PK parameters were estimated from the Acyclovir plasma concentration-time data after one of the doses received on Study Day 5 (window: Study Day 4 through Study Day 5 around either dose 7, 8, 9, or 10 of the study drug; samples were only collected after one of these doses) using Phoenix WinNonlin Non-compartmental analysis. The estimate assumes steady state has been achieved.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Cohort 1: 10 mg/kg Valacyclovir
n=8 Participants
Neonates who were at risk of acquiring neonatal herpes simplex virus disease received 10 mg/kg of valacyclovir administered orally two times daily for 5 days.
Cohort 2: 20 mg/kg Valacyclovir
n=2 Participants
Neonates who were at risk of acquiring neonatal herpes simplex virus disease received 20 mg/kg of valacyclovir administered orally two times daily for 5 days.
Time to the Maximum Concentration (Tmax) of Acyclovir in Plasma
1.77 h
Interval 1.0 to 4.17
4.23 h
Interval 4.13 to 4.32

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 0 hour minus 15 minutes (pre-dose), 1-2 hours, 4-6 hours, and 8-10 hours post one of the Day 5 doses

Population: The PK analysis population includes all participants who successfully complete the scheduled intensive PK sampling procedures and where the primary PK output variable (AUC12) can be determined.

PK parameters were estimated from the Acyclovir plasma concentration-time data after one of the doses received on Study Day 5 (window: Study Day 4 through Study Day 5 around either dose 7, 8, 9, or 10 of the study drug; samples were only collected after one of these doses) using Phoenix WinNonlin Non-compartmental analysis. The estimate assumes steady state has been achieved.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Cohort 1: 10 mg/kg Valacyclovir
n=8 Participants
Neonates who were at risk of acquiring neonatal herpes simplex virus disease received 10 mg/kg of valacyclovir administered orally two times daily for 5 days.
Cohort 2: 20 mg/kg Valacyclovir
n=2 Participants
Neonates who were at risk of acquiring neonatal herpes simplex virus disease received 20 mg/kg of valacyclovir administered orally two times daily for 5 days.
Apparent Volume of Distribution During Terminal Phase (V/F) of Acyclovir in Plasma
7.59 L
Geometric Coefficient of Variation 35.14
7.47 L
Geometric Coefficient of Variation 51.69

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Day 1 through Day 42

Population: The Safety Population includes participants who received at least one dose of study product.

The number of participants who experienced at least one Grade 3 AE, including both non-serious AEs and serious adverse events (SAEs).

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Cohort 1: 10 mg/kg Valacyclovir
n=13 Participants
Neonates who were at risk of acquiring neonatal herpes simplex virus disease received 10 mg/kg of valacyclovir administered orally two times daily for 5 days.
Cohort 2: 20 mg/kg Valacyclovir
n=2 Participants
Neonates who were at risk of acquiring neonatal herpes simplex virus disease received 20 mg/kg of valacyclovir administered orally two times daily for 5 days.
Frequency of Grade 3 Adverse Events (AEs)
1 Participants
0 Participants

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Day 1 through Day 42

Population: The Safety Population includes participants who received at least one dose of study product.

The number of participants who experienced at least one Grade 4 AE, including both non-serious AEs and SAEs.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Cohort 1: 10 mg/kg Valacyclovir
n=13 Participants
Neonates who were at risk of acquiring neonatal herpes simplex virus disease received 10 mg/kg of valacyclovir administered orally two times daily for 5 days.
Cohort 2: 20 mg/kg Valacyclovir
n=2 Participants
Neonates who were at risk of acquiring neonatal herpes simplex virus disease received 20 mg/kg of valacyclovir administered orally two times daily for 5 days.
Frequency of Grade 4 AEs
0 Participants
0 Participants

Adverse Events

Cohort 1: 10 mg/kg Valacyclovir

Serious events: 1 serious events
Other events: 6 other events
Deaths: 0 deaths

Cohort 2: 20 mg/kg Valacyclovir

Serious events: 0 serious events
Other events: 0 other events
Deaths: 0 deaths

Serious adverse events

Serious adverse events
Measure
Cohort 1: 10 mg/kg Valacyclovir
n=13 participants at risk
Neonates who were at risk of acquiring neonatal herpes simplex virus disease received 10 mg/kg of valacyclovir administered orally two times daily for 5 days.
Cohort 2: 20 mg/kg Valacyclovir
n=2 participants at risk
Neonates who were at risk of acquiring neonatal herpes simplex virus disease received 20 mg/kg of valacyclovir administered orally two times daily for 5 days.
Metabolism and nutrition disorders
Dehydration
7.7%
1/13 • Number of events 1 • All AEs, including safety laboratory AEs, and all SAEs were documented from Study Day 1 through the final study visit (Study Day 42).
AEs were assessed for participants in the Safety Population, which includes participants who received at least one dose of study product
0.00%
0/2 • All AEs, including safety laboratory AEs, and all SAEs were documented from Study Day 1 through the final study visit (Study Day 42).
AEs were assessed for participants in the Safety Population, which includes participants who received at least one dose of study product

Other adverse events

Other adverse events
Measure
Cohort 1: 10 mg/kg Valacyclovir
n=13 participants at risk
Neonates who were at risk of acquiring neonatal herpes simplex virus disease received 10 mg/kg of valacyclovir administered orally two times daily for 5 days.
Cohort 2: 20 mg/kg Valacyclovir
n=2 participants at risk
Neonates who were at risk of acquiring neonatal herpes simplex virus disease received 20 mg/kg of valacyclovir administered orally two times daily for 5 days.
Psychiatric disorders
Irritability
7.7%
1/13 • Number of events 1 • All AEs, including safety laboratory AEs, and all SAEs were documented from Study Day 1 through the final study visit (Study Day 42).
AEs were assessed for participants in the Safety Population, which includes participants who received at least one dose of study product
0.00%
0/2 • All AEs, including safety laboratory AEs, and all SAEs were documented from Study Day 1 through the final study visit (Study Day 42).
AEs were assessed for participants in the Safety Population, which includes participants who received at least one dose of study product
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
Nasal congestion
7.7%
1/13 • Number of events 1 • All AEs, including safety laboratory AEs, and all SAEs were documented from Study Day 1 through the final study visit (Study Day 42).
AEs were assessed for participants in the Safety Population, which includes participants who received at least one dose of study product
0.00%
0/2 • All AEs, including safety laboratory AEs, and all SAEs were documented from Study Day 1 through the final study visit (Study Day 42).
AEs were assessed for participants in the Safety Population, which includes participants who received at least one dose of study product
Vascular disorders
Haemorrhage
7.7%
1/13 • Number of events 1 • All AEs, including safety laboratory AEs, and all SAEs were documented from Study Day 1 through the final study visit (Study Day 42).
AEs were assessed for participants in the Safety Population, which includes participants who received at least one dose of study product
0.00%
0/2 • All AEs, including safety laboratory AEs, and all SAEs were documented from Study Day 1 through the final study visit (Study Day 42).
AEs were assessed for participants in the Safety Population, which includes participants who received at least one dose of study product
Gastrointestinal disorders
Vomiting
7.7%
1/13 • Number of events 1 • All AEs, including safety laboratory AEs, and all SAEs were documented from Study Day 1 through the final study visit (Study Day 42).
AEs were assessed for participants in the Safety Population, which includes participants who received at least one dose of study product
0.00%
0/2 • All AEs, including safety laboratory AEs, and all SAEs were documented from Study Day 1 through the final study visit (Study Day 42).
AEs were assessed for participants in the Safety Population, which includes participants who received at least one dose of study product
Investigations
Blood bilirubin increased
7.7%
1/13 • Number of events 1 • All AEs, including safety laboratory AEs, and all SAEs were documented from Study Day 1 through the final study visit (Study Day 42).
AEs were assessed for participants in the Safety Population, which includes participants who received at least one dose of study product
0.00%
0/2 • All AEs, including safety laboratory AEs, and all SAEs were documented from Study Day 1 through the final study visit (Study Day 42).
AEs were assessed for participants in the Safety Population, which includes participants who received at least one dose of study product
Investigations
Neutrophil count decreased
7.7%
1/13 • Number of events 1 • All AEs, including safety laboratory AEs, and all SAEs were documented from Study Day 1 through the final study visit (Study Day 42).
AEs were assessed for participants in the Safety Population, which includes participants who received at least one dose of study product
0.00%
0/2 • All AEs, including safety laboratory AEs, and all SAEs were documented from Study Day 1 through the final study visit (Study Day 42).
AEs were assessed for participants in the Safety Population, which includes participants who received at least one dose of study product
Investigations
White blood cell count decreased
23.1%
3/13 • Number of events 3 • All AEs, including safety laboratory AEs, and all SAEs were documented from Study Day 1 through the final study visit (Study Day 42).
AEs were assessed for participants in the Safety Population, which includes participants who received at least one dose of study product
0.00%
0/2 • All AEs, including safety laboratory AEs, and all SAEs were documented from Study Day 1 through the final study visit (Study Day 42).
AEs were assessed for participants in the Safety Population, which includes participants who received at least one dose of study product

Additional Information

David W. Kimberlin, MD

University of Alabama at Birmingham

Phone: 205-638-2530

Results disclosure agreements

  • Principal investigator is a sponsor employee
  • Publication restrictions are in place

Restriction type: LTE60