26th Jul 2021 15:45
(Alliance News) -Â GlaxoSmithKline PLC on Monday said the US Food & Drug Administration has approved its Shingrix shingles prevention vaccine for immunocompromised adults aged 18 or older.
The Shingrix vaccine is given intramuscularly in two doses and was initially approved in the US in 2017 for the prevention of shingles in adults aged over 50.
"The approval for this new population expands the number of people who can be protected against shingles by Shingrix," Glaxo said.
Immunocompromised individuals are at greater risk of shingles and linked complications, Glaxo said. While the intended dosing regimen for immunocompetent adults is two jabs given two to six months apart, for immunodeficient or immunosuppressed adults the second dose can be administered one to two months after the first shot.
The US Centers for Disease Control & Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has begun talks to consider recommendations for use of Shingrix in immunocompromised adults.
"Older age and being immunocompromised are the most common risk factors for shingles disease. GSK is committed to this important patient population at increased risk for shingles disease and its complications by bringing them a vaccine option that can help prevent this painful condition," said Thomas Breuer, chief medical officer at GSK Vaccines.
Shares in Glaxo were down 1.5% at 1,394.60 pence in London on Monday.
By Lucy Heming;Â [email protected]
Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
Related Shares:
Glaxosmithkline