Delhi, 24 April 2023: GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd, today, announced the launch of Shingrix (Zoster Vaccine Recombinant, Adjuvanted) in India, for the prevention of shingles (herpes zoster) and post-herpetic neuralgia in adults aged 50 years and above. Shingrix is the world’s first non-live, recombinant subunit vaccine to be given intramuscularly in two doses. Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the varicella zoster virus (VZV), the same virus that causes chickenpox.
A seroprevalence study in Indian subjects showed that by the age of 40 years more than 90% had this virus in their body and were vulnerable to shingles. Shingles causes a painful rash. In all cases, the rash disappears, but in a large number of cases, the pain persists for months or years. This pain is known as post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN).
Bhushan Akshikar, Managing Director, GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Limited says, “GSK is pleased to bring Shingrix to protect India’s 260 million adults above 50 years of age from shingles and its complications. Existing treatment options may not give complete relief from this pain. Vaccination is the only effective preventive option. We are pleased to add Shingrix to our adult vaccination portfolio and make it available across the nation.”
Adults above 50 years of age and those suffering from chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and kidney diseases are at an increased risk of developing shingles because of weakened immunity. The risk of developing post-herpetic neuralgia is 30% higher and the pain is more debilitating in adults above 50 years of age. This pain can even cause psychological disturbances and increased dependence on caregivers. Shingles can also lead to complications such as vision loss and hearing loss in older adults. Since Shingrix is a non-live vaccine it can be offered to those, above the age of 50 years, who are immunocompromised and/or immunosuppressed and who are potentially at a greater risk of Shingles disease.
Shingrix was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the prevention of shingles in adults 50 years of age or older in 2017.The European Commission gave Shingrix approval for the prevention of shingles in adults 50 years of age or older in 2018.
About Shingles
Shingles typically presents as a rash, with painful blisters across the chest, abdomen or face. The pain is often described as aching, burning, stabbing or shock-like. Following the rash, a person can also experience post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) pain lasting from at least three months up to several years from the onset of rash. PHN is the most common complication of shingles, occurring in 5-25% of all shingles cases, depending on the patients’ age.
About Shingrix
Shingrix (Zoster Vaccine Recombinant, Adjuvanted) is a non-live, recombinant subunit vaccine to help prevent shingles. Shingrix combines an antigen, glycoprotein E, and an adjuvant system, AS01B, intended to generate a strong and long-lasting immune response that can help overcome the decline in immunity as people age. Shingrix is to be given intramuscularly in two doses in adults aged 50 years and above.
