The China National Medical Products Association (NMPA) has approved Shingrix for the prevention of shingles.

Shingrix has been approved for the prevention of virus in adults aged 18 years and over who are at increased risk of shingles due to immunodeficiency or immunosuppression. 

Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the varicella zoster virus (VZV), the same virus that causes chickenpox. Shingles typically presents as a rash, with painful blisters across the chest, abdomen or face. Following the rash, a person can also experience post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), a long-lasting nerve pain that can last weeks or months and can occasionally persist for several years. 

There are approximately six million cases of shingles per year in China. As well as the virus affecting older people, other factors can increase the risk of developing shingles, including immunodeficiency or immunosuppression. There was previously no shingles vaccine approved for this population in China.  

“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, Vaccines and Infectious Diseases R&D,. “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.” 

 Bruno Quinney, Content Team, DDW