Scientists Frustrated in Search for Genital Herpes Vaccine

So, with the private sector waiting on the sidelines, public funding becomes key.

"I think there needs to be more money from the publicly funded institutions -- whether they be foundations, the NIH or the National Research Council, in vaccine development," Corey said.

"We also need to do more in defining a real path of success for a genital herpes vaccine," he added. "Once some pathway of success becomes defined, then you'll see the pharmaceutical companies move forward."

More information

Find out more about genital herpes at the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.