GSK has released the final results from its ZOSTER-049 phase III trial of Shingrix (Recombinant Zoster Vaccine or RZV), demonstrating that the vaccine protects against shingles for over a decade in adults aged 50 and older.
The findings will be presented at the ESCMID Global 2024 conference in Barcelona from 27-30 Apr.
The end-of-trial data shows 79.7% efficacy in vaccinated participants aged 50 years and over for six to 11 years.
No safety concerns were identified during the follow-up period, GSK addded.
Dr Javier Dez-Domingo, Principal Investigator from FISABIO, highlighted the vaccine's sustained efficacy, stating, "this final data demonstrates continued protection over more than a decade with high efficacy maintained in both the 50 and 70 age groups".
Shingles, a risk due to the natural decline in the immune system among older adults, can lead to severe outcomes including post-herpetic neuralgia, a condition causing long-lasting nerve pain.
The disease presents as a painful rash and can significantly disrupt daily activities, with many patients reporting missed work days.
Phil Dormitzer, Senior Vice President and Head of Vaccines R&D at GSK, noted the importance of these results. "This data goes far beyond the typical long-term follow-up period for a trial, tracking the efficacy of vaccination in participants as they age."
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