Shingrix (Zoster Vaccine Recombinant, Adjuvanted) was launched in India on Monday by GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd. The vaccine is aimed to prevent post-herpetic neuralgia and shingles (herpes zoster) in individuals 50 years of age and older.
According to a statement from the company, Shingrix is the first non-live, recombinant subunit vaccination to be administered intramuscularly in two doses. According to the manufacturer, the vaccine Shingrix can guard against shingles, which is brought on by the varicella zoster virus (VZV), which also causes chickenpox, for at least 10 years.
Managing Director of GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Limited, Bhushan Akshikar, commented on the launch, saying, “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. We are pleased to add Shingrix to our adult vaccination portfolio and make it available across the nation.”
According to the statement, the vaccine has a proven efficacy rate of over 90% against shingles. In 2017, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Shingrix for the treatment of persons 50 years of age or older who are at risk of developing shingles. Shingrix received approval from the European Commission in 2018 to be used in individuals 50 years of age or older as shingles prevention.
More than 90% of Indian participants in a seroprevalence study had this virus in their bodies by the age of 40, making them susceptible to developing shingles. A painful rash result from shingles. In every case, the rash goes away, but the pain frequently lasts for months or years. Post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) is the medical term for this pain.
Due to decreased immunity, people over 50 and those with long-term illnesses such diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disease are more likely to develop shingles. In elderly folks, shingles can also result in consequences like hearing loss and vision loss.
Shingrix is a non-live vaccine, according to the company, so it can be given to anyone over 50 who are immunosuppressed or weakened and may be at an increased risk of developing Shingles.