GSK data shows promising results for Shingrix vaccine against shingles in adults

Mumbai: GSK announced positive interim results from the ZOSTER-049 extension study showing that overall Shingrix (zoster vaccine recombinant, adjuvanted) can provide at least a decade of protection against shingles (herpes zoster) after initial vaccination. The interim analysis data are presented today at the IDWeek congress in Washington, DC, USA.

These results come from ZOSTER-049 (ZOE-LTFU), an extension from two phase III clinical trials ZOE-50 and ZOE-70. From those trials, vaccine efficacy was 97 per cent in adults 50 years and above and 91 per cent in adults 70 years and above over a follow-up period of approximately four years. The ZOE-LTFU study, which follows participants from the ZOE-50 and ZOE-70 clinical trials for an additional six years, is ongoing and will continue to evaluate the longer-term efficacy, immunogenicity and safety of the vaccine.

Dr Hemant Thacker, Consultant Internist and Cardio Metabolic Physician, Breach Candy, Jaslok, Bhatia and Reliance Hospital, said “Shingles is a painful and distressing condition especially for the elderly. A vaccine to reduce the incidence of this debilitating condition is the key. The results of the study released by GSK are promising. I am confident that a vaccine to prevent shingles, with long-lasting protection, will greatly benefit our growing elderly population and enhance their quality of life.”

Sabine Luik, Chief Medical Officer and SVP Global Medical Regulatory and Quality, GSK, said “The findings from ZOE-LTFU demonstrate that it can provide a decade of protection against the pain, debilitating impact and potentially severe complications that shingles can cause in people aged 50 and over. These data significantly add to, and complement, the existing body of evidence demonstrating the long-term benefit of the vaccine, and we look forward to seeing additional results from this ongoing study.”

Sridhar Venkatesh, Vice President and Managing Director, GSK India, said “Adult immunisation is integral to maintain the wellbeing and quality of life of India’s growing elderly population, and to ensure healthy ageing accompanies the gains in longevity we have made as a nation. The encouraging results from the ZOE-LTFU trials demonstrate the long-lasting efficacy of Shingrix. Shingrix will be an important addition to our adult vaccination portfolio in India and help address an unmet preventive health need.”