GSK Shingles Vaccine Now Available In Malaysia

Shingles is a viral infection that causes painful rashes. It is triggered by the reactivation of the varicella zoster virus (VZV), the same virus that causes chickenpox. As we grow older, the cells in our immune system lose the ability to mount a strong and effective response to infection, increasing the risk of developing shingles. The disease can cause unbearable pain and, in some cases, people can also develop post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) a long-lasting nerve pain following shingles.

GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceutical Sdn Bhd (GSK) has officially launched its Herpes Zoster vaccine, Shingrix (MAL24056002ARZ), also known as Recombinant Zoster Vaccine, Adjuvanted (RZV) in Malaysia for the prevention of shingles (herpes zoster, HZ) and post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) in adults aged 50 years and over. RZV is a non-live, recombinant subunit adjuvanted vaccine given intramuscularly in two doses. 

RZV will initially be available in Malaysia to adults aged 50 and over and those aged 18 and over who are at increased risk of HZ. 

Ruxandra Nastasa, Vice President & General Manager of GSK Malaysia & Brunei, delivering her speech at the launch of GSK's Shingles vaccine.

The vaccine is designed to prevent shingles in adults aged 50 years and over and 18 years and over who are at increased risk in countries where the indication for this population has been approved. RZV is also approved for adults aged 18 and over who are at increased risk of HZ.  Immunocompromised individuals are at greater risk of shingles and associated complications and RZV is a shingles vaccine approved for this at-risk patient population.

(from left to right) Dr Alap Gandhi, Country Medical Director of GSK Malaysia and Brunei; Ruxandra Nastasa, Vice President & General Manager of GSK Malaysia & Brunei; and Dr Peter Ch’ng, Consultant Dermatologist from Gleneagles Hospital Kuala Lumpur & Honorary Secretary of Dermatological Society of Malaysia at the launch of GSK’s Shingles vaccine.  

In an analysis of the pivotal efficacy studies, ZOE-50, RZV demonstrated vaccine efficacy of up to 97% in adults 50 years and above, over a follow-up period of approximately three years. Recent interim data demonstrated overall vaccine efficacy of RZV of greater than 80% over the primary follow-up period approximately six to 10 years after initial vaccination in people 50 years and over.  

(from left to right) Dr. Alap Gandhi, Country Medical Director of GSK Malaysia & Brunei and Dr. Peter Ch'ng, Consultant Dermatologist at Gleneagles Hospital Kuala Lumpur & Honorary Secretary of the Dermatological Society of Malaysia sharing on Shingles and GSK’s Shingles vaccine during the panel discussion at the launch of GSK’s shingles vaccine.

Dr. Alap Gandhi, Country Medical Director of GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceutical Sdn Bhd (GSK) Malaysia said: “Shingles is a disease that can cause excruciating pain and is caused by the reactivation of the varicella zoster virus. RZV has been designed to boost the immune response to the virus in people aged 50 and over or in those with immunocompromised conditions.” He concluded, “We are pleased that people in Malaysia will now have access to the RZV vaccine to help reduce the burden of this painful disease.”

RZV is an approved shingles vaccine to combine a non-live antigen with GSK’s adjuvant and may help overcome the natural age-related decline in immunity that contributes to the challenge of protecting adults aged 50 and over from this disease.

RZV has resulted in positive vaccination recommendations. In Malaysia, RZV is recommended by Guideline for Adult Immunization by Malaysia Society of Infectious Diseases and Chemotherapy for persons who are 50 years and above and for immunosuppressed patients 18 years and above.

Prevention is better than cure! With the launch of RZV in Malaysia, GSK hopes to continue to play a part in the betterment of public health in Malaysia.

PM-MY-SGX-COCO-240003 09/24  Date of Approval: Sept 2024
KKLIU 2560 / EXP 29.01.2025
Trademarks are owned by or licensed by GSK.