GlaxoSmithKline plc (GSK) recently announced evidence supporting the potential for Shingrix, a shingles vaccine, for people age 18 and older who have undergone autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplant.
The Phase III clinical study of Shingrix showed an efficacy of 68.17 percent for all adults over 18, and 67 percent for those over the age of 50. These results mean the study's primary objective was met, according to a company press release.
Additionally, an over 89 percent rate was demonstrated for preventing post-herpetic neuralgia, chronic nerve pain associated with shingles, the release said.
Emmanuel Hanon, senior vice president and head of vaccines research and development for GSK, said that stem cell transplant patients present with more vulnerable immune systems compared to other individuals with shingles.
“This puts them at much higher risk for viral diseases like shingles and, at the same time, makes developing an effective vaccine to help protect them more challenging,” Hanon said in the release. “Today’s results, demonstrating the vaccine’s ability to help prevent shingles and its complications with just two doses, may provide a much-needed benefit to these patients considering the high incidence and burden of disease they face.”
