GlaxoSmithKline reports positive clinical data for shingles vaccine

GlaxoSmithKline has presented data from a phase III clinical trial that demonstrates the wide-ranging benefits of its new investigational vaccine candidate for shingles.

Detailed results from the randomised phase III study of the investigational HZ/su vaccine candidate demonstrated efficacy that was maintained across age groups, from 50 years to 70 years and over.

A two-dose schedule of HZ/su reduced the risk of herpes zoster by 97.2 percent in adults aged 50 years and older compared to placebo, with no significant difference in vaccine efficacy among the various age groups.

Additional trials to evaluate the ability of HZ/su to prevent shingles are ongoing in people aged 70 and older and in adults with compromised immune system.

Dr Moncef Slaoui, chairman of GlaxoSmithKline's global vaccines business, said: "We are extremely encouraged that the results may point out a health benefit in the prevention of shingles."

This comes after the company reported positive final results from a large-scale phase III trial of its RTS,S malaria vaccine candidate earlier this week.