Progression of HIV could potentially be slowed with acyclovir (Zovirax), a commonly available antiviral medication used to treat herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). This study is slated to be published in the medical journal The Lancet.

The findings were based on a Phase 3 trial that evaluated more than 3,000 heterosexuals in 14 sites in Africa infected with both HSV-2 and HIV.

For the randomized trial, Dr. Jairam Lingappa of the University of Washington and colleagues from around the world looked at participants randomly assigned 400 mg of acyclovir…