Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
Review
. 2018 Jul;17(7):619-634.
doi: 10.1080/14760584.2018.1495565. Epub 2018 Jul 20.

Development of adjuvanted recombinant zoster vaccine and its implications for shingles prevention

Nicolas Lecrenier  1 , Pierre Beukelaers  1 , Romulo Colindres  2 , Desmond Curran  1 , Carine De Kesel  3 , Jean-Philippe De Saegher  3 , Arnaud M Didierlaurent  3 , Edouard Y Ledent  3 , Johann F Mols  3 , Tomas Mrkvan  1 , Marie Normand-Bayle  1 , Lidia Oostvogels  1 , Fernanda Tavares Da Silva  1 , Ventzislav Vassilev  3 , Carlota Vinals  1 , Alain Brecx  1
Affiliations
Review

Development of adjuvanted recombinant zoster vaccine and its implications for shingles prevention

Nicolas Lecrenier et al. Expert Rev Vaccines. 2018 Jul.

Abstract

Introduction: GSK has developed a two-dose adjuvanted recombinant zoster vaccine (Shingrix, RZV) to protect people aged ≥50 years (50+) against herpes zoster (HZ) and its complications. RZV showed >90% efficacy against HZ, sustained over 4 years of follow-up, in all studied age groups.

Areas covered: This article reviews the scientific rationale underlying the design of RZV; the clinical evidence demonstrating immunogenicity, safety, and efficacy in persons 50+; and the public health implications and cost-effectiveness.

Expert commentary: A decline in varicella zoster virus (VZV) immunity is associated with increased risk of HZ in adults 50+ and immunocompromised individuals. RZV was designed to restore levels of anti-VZV cellular and humoral immunity to prevent VZV reactivation. RZV includes the recombinant gE glycoprotein antigen, and Adjuvant System AS01B which promotes cellular and antibody responses. In two Phase III studies in subjects aged 50+ and 70+ years, RZV efficacy against HZ compared to placebo was >90% and ≥89% against post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN). RZV is expected to dramatically impact HZ morbidity including its complications, and associated health-care costs. In the US population aged 50+ years, vaccination with RZV can be cost-effective compared to no vaccination and cost-saving compared to the currently available live-attenuated HZ vaccine (Zostavax, Merck).

Keywords: Efficacy; herpes zoster; post-herpetic neuralgia; public health impact; safety; shingles; vaccine; varicella zoster virus.

PubMed Disclaimer

MeSH terms

Substances