GSK plc (GSK) has announced positive long-term data from the ZOSTER-049 clinical trial for its Shingrix vaccine. The trial followed participants for up to 11 years after their initial vaccination and showed that Shingrix continues to provide high protection against shingles in adults aged 50 and over.
The final data from ZOSTER-049, presented at ESCMID Global 2024, demonstrated a vaccine efficacy (VE) of 79.7 percent against shingles in adults aged 50 and over, six to 11 years after vaccination. Notably, the VE remained high at 82.0 percent even at year 11, indicating sustained protection throughout the follow-up period.
Shingles is a painful and debilitating condition caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. Up to one in three people will develop shingles in their lifetime, with the risk increasing with age and weakened immune systems.
Dr Rashmi Hegde, Executive Vice President – Medical Affairs, GSK India, stressed the importance of these findings for both healthcare professionals and patients. The long-term efficacy of Shingrix provides reassurance about the vaccine’s ability to protect against shingles for over a decade. Dr Hegde also expressed hope that these results would encourage policymakers to consider including shingles vaccination in public immunization plans.
