GSK’s Shingrix vaccine approved in China to prevent shingles in vulnerable patients

CHINA—British pharmaceutical company GSK plc has received approval from the China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for its vaccine Shingrix, also known as the Recombinant Zoster Vaccine (RZV).

This vaccine is authorized for preventing shingles, or herpes zoster, in adults aged 18 and older who face a higher risk due to compromised immune systems caused by disease or medical treatments.

Shingles affects around six million people annually in China, creating a significant health challenge.

Aside from aging, a weakened immune system increases the likelihood of developing shingles.

Before this approval, no shingles vaccine was officially authorized for use in immunocompromised individuals in China.

The pain caused by shingles is mostly described as aching, burning, stabbing, or shock-like, severely affecting patients’ quality of life.

 It often disrupts sleep and limits everyday activities, including work performance.

By approving Shingrix for these adults, GSK expands access to protection for those most vulnerable to this painful condition.

Sanjay Gurunathan, Senior Vice President of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases R&D at GSK, stated the approval is an important step to make the vaccine available to people at increased risk of shingles.

He emphasized the company’s ongoing cooperation with regulators to develop innovations that safeguard patients with weakened immune systems and support healthcare systems in focusing on disease prevention.

The NMPA evaluated data from six clinical trials involving adults aged 18 and older who had undergone recent stem cell transplants, kidney transplants, or were living with blood cancers, solid tumors, or HIV.

These trials confirmed Shingrix’s safety and effectiveness in immunocompromised individuals, supporting its approval for this high-risk group in China.

GSK’s Shingrix has already been approved in many countries worldwide and is considered the leading vaccine for shingles prevention due to its high efficacy and durability of protection.

The vaccine’s rollout in China comes amid growing awareness of the impact of shingles and the need for effective preventative measures, especially for vulnerable populations.

Shingles results from the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, which causes chickenpox.

After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus remains inactive in the body but may reactivate years later as shingles, particularly when immunity weakens.

Vaccination helps to reduce the risk and severity of shingles and its complications, such as postherpetic neuralgia, a long-lasting nerve pain condition.

As the population ages and chronic medical conditions increase, the demand for vaccines like Shingrix is expected to grow, making accessible prevention crucial for public health.

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