GSK shingles vaccine approved for expanded use in China

(Sharecast News) - Pharma giant GSK has received regulatory approval in China to expand the use of its Shingrix shingles vaccine, the company announced on Tuesday. Shingrix, which is currently available in China to adults over 50, has now been approved in adults 18 and over who are at increased risk of shingles due to immunodeficiency or immunosuppression caused by a known disease or therapy, according to the China National Medical Products Administration.

Other factors besides advancing age can increase the risk of developing shingles, including immunodeficiency or immunosuppression, with no other shingles vaccine approved for this population in China.

The NMPA's decision follows six clinical trials in patients aged 18 and above who had undergone recent stem cell transplants, kidney transplants, or have blood cancer, tumours or HIV.

"This approval marks a critical milestone in expanding access to GSK's RZV for those at a higher risk of what can be a disrupting and devastating disease," said Sanjay Gurunathan, senior vice president of vaccines and infectious diseases R&D at GSK.

"Through close collaboration with regulatory bodies, we continue to drive innovation that helps protect vulnerable patient groups and shifting the focus of healthcare systems towards preventing diseases, like shingles."