GSK Shingles Vaccine Now Available in Malaysia

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.”

RZV is an approved shingles vaccine to combine a non-live antigen with GSK’s adjuvant and may help overcome the natural age-related decline in immunity that contributes to the challenge of protecting adults aged 50 and over from this disease.^vi,vii

RZV has resulted in positive vaccination recommendations. In Malaysia, RZV is recommended by Guideline for Adult Immunization by Malaysia Society of Infectious Diseases and Chemotherapy for persons who are 50 years and above and for immunosuppressed patients 18 years and above.^xi

With the launch of RZV in Malaysia, GSK hopes to continue to play a part in the betterment of public health in Malaysia.

PM-MY-SGX-COCO-240003 09/24 Date of Approval: Sept 2024

KKLIU 2560 / EXP 29.01.2025

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