Gilead Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:GILD) and Assembly Biosciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:ASMB) announced on Monday that Gilead has exercised its combined option to exclusively license Assembly Bio’s herpes simplex virus (HSV) helicase-primase inhibitor programs, including long-acting investigational candidates ABI-1179 and ABI-5366 for recurrent genital herpes. 

These represent the first programs Gilead will advance under the ongoing Assembly Bio R&D collaboration. Genital herpes, caused by HSV, is a chronic infection that leads to painful lesions, psychological issues, and an increased risk of HIV acquisition.

Over four million people in the U.S. and major European countries experience recurrent genital herpes, with HSV type 2 (HSV-2) infections typically associated with multiple recurrences each year. No new therapies have been approved for HSV in the U.S. or Europe for more than ...