Merck Sharpe and Dohme reports trial data for shingles vaccine

Merck Sharpe and Dohme has published new clinical study data which supports the safety profile of its shingles vaccine Zostavax.

The trial was conducted over six months and involved 11,980 patients aged 60 or above, with the objective being to compare the safety performance of the drug to a placebo.

It was found that those receiving Zostavax experienced no significant difference in the frequency of serious adverse events to those in the placebo control group.

These results were similar to the overall vaccine safety findings recorded in the pivotal phase III shingles prevention study and other previous Zostavax trials.

Dr Paula Annunziato, senior director of vaccines clinical research at Merck Sharpe and Dohme, said: “We are pleased to have these new data that add to the existing body of evidence that supports the safety profile of Zostavax.”

Earlier this week, the company hosted its latest research and development and business briefing, highlighting the clinical progress of key upcoming products such as Brinavess and asenapine.