GSK’s Shingles Vaccine Approved in Canada

GlaxoSmithKline has received approval in Canada for Shingrix [Herpes Zoster vaccine (non-live recombinant, AS01B adjuvanted)] for preventing shingles (herpes zoster) in people aged 50 years or older, the company announced on Oct. 13, 2017.

Shingrix is a non-live, recombinant subunit vaccine that combines an antigen, glycoprotein E, and an adjuvant system, AS01B. It is intended to generate a strong and long-lasting immune response. According to the company, it is the first shingles vaccine to combine a non-live antigen to trigger a targeted immune response with a specifically-designed adjuvant to generate a strong and sustained immune response.

In addition, regulatory reviews of the vaccine are underway in the United States, European Union, Australia, and Japan. Shingles is caused by reactivation of the varicella zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox.  A person’s risk for shingles increases after 50 years of age.

“One of the biggest challenges in vaccine research is to create vaccines that are effective in older adults who are at greater risk for certain diseases, like shingles. As we age, our immune system loses the ability to mount a strong and effective response to infection. Shingrix was developed specifically to overcome the age-related decline in immunity against the varicella zoster virus,” said Dr. Thomas Breuer, senior vice president and chief medical officer of GSK Vaccines, in a company press release.

Source: GlaxoSmithKline