GlaxoSmithKline
Pharmaceutical Sdn Bhd (GSK)
has launched its Herpes Zoster vaccine, Shingrix
(MAL24056002ARZ),
also known as Recombinant Zoster Vaccine, Adjuvanted (RZV) in
Malaysia for the prevention of shingles (herpes zoster, HZ) and
post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) in adults aged 50 years and over.i
RZV
is a
non-live, recombinant subunit adjuvanted vaccine given
intramuscularly in two doses on 10 Sep 2024.
RZV
will initially be available in Malaysia to adults aged 50 and over
and those aged 18 and over who are at increased risk of HZ.
Shingles
is caused by the reactivation of the varicella zoster virus (VZV),
the same virus that causes chickenpox.ii
As people age, the cells in the immune system lose the ability to
mount a strong and effective response to infection, increasing the
risk of developing shingles.iii
The disease can cause unbearable pain and, in some cases, people can
also develop post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) a long-lasting nerve pain
following shingles.iv
RZV
is a vaccine designed to prevent shingles in adults aged 50 years and
over and 18 years and over who are at increased risk in countries
where the indication for this population has been approved.i
RZV is
also approved for adults aged 18 and over who are at increased risk
of HZ.i
Immunocompromised individuals are at greater risk of shingles and
associated complications and RZV is a shingles vaccine approved for
this at-risk patient population.In
an analysis of the pivotal efficacy studies, ZOE-50, RZV demonstrated
vaccine efficacy of up to 97%iin
adults 50 years and above, over a follow-up period of approximately
three years.i,
Recent interim data demonstrated overall vaccine efficacy of RZV of
greater than 80% over the primary follow-up period approximately six
to 10 years after initial vaccination in people 50 years and over.
Dr.
Alap Gandhi,
Country
Medical Director of GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceutical Sdn Bhd (GSK)
Malaysia said:
“Shingles is a disease that can cause excruciating pain and is
caused by the reactivation of the varicella zoster virus. RZV has
been designed to boost the immune response to the virus in people
aged 50 and over or in those with immunocompromised conditions.” He
concluded, “We are pleased that people in Malaysia will now have
access to the RZV vaccine to help reduce the burden of this painful
disease.”
