GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (GSK) has announced the availability of Shingrix (Zoster Vaccine Recombinant, Adjuvanted) in India for the prevention of shingles (herpes zoster) and post-herpetic neuralgia in individuals aged 50 and over.
Shingrix is the first non-live, recombinant subunit vaccination administered in two doses intramuscularly in the world. Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), which is also responsible for chickenpox.
A seroprevalence research in Indian individuals found that by the age of 40, more than 90% carried this virus in their bodies and were at risk of shingles. Shingles is characterized by a painful rash. The rash goes away in all cases, but the agony might last for months or years in many situations. This is referred to as "post-herpetic Neuralgia" (PHN).
Bhushan Akshikar, MD, GSK, stated, “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.”
According to the company, Shingrix can provide at least 10 years of protection against shingles. It was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2017 for the prevention of shingles in individuals 50 and older. The European Commission approved Shingrix in 2018 to prevent shingles in individuals aged 50 and up.