China-based Changchun BCHT Biotechnology Co., Ltd (SHA: 688276) has announced receiving marketing approval from the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for its live attenuated herpes zoster vaccine. The vaccine is indicated for the prevention of herpes zoster in adults aged 40 and above, addressing a significant unmet medical need in China.
Herpes Zoster: Disease Overview
Herpes zoster, commonly known as shingles, is an infectious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It typically presents as a painful, itchy rash on one side of the body, lasting 2-4 weeks. The risk of infection increases with age, and nearly 3 million adults in China are affected by the disease annually.
Global Vaccine Landscape
Currently, two herpes zoster vaccines are available globally: Merck’s Zostavax and GlaxoSmithKline’s (GSK) Shingrix. Zostavax, the first live attenuated vaccine for shingles, was approved in the US in May 2006. Shingrix, a recombinant subunit vaccine, received US approval in October 2017 and was approved in China in June 2020 for adults aged 50 and above. Priced at RMB 1,600 (USD 237) per dose, Shingrix requires two injections.
Domestic Vaccine Development
In China, several domestic companies are developing recombinant subunit vaccines for herpes zoster, including Lvzhu Biotech, Ab&b Bio-Tech/Yidao Bio, and MaxHealth Biotech. Changchun BCHT’s live attenuated vaccine now offers an additional option for preventing shingles in adults aged 40 and above.-Fineline Info & Tech
