GSK plc (LSE:GSK) announced on Tuesday that its Shingrix vaccine has received a positive opinion from the European Medicines Agency’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) for a new pre-filled syringe format.
This updated presentation is designed to simplify the vaccination process for healthcare professionals by removing the need to manually mix separate vials before injection. At present, Shingrix requires the combination of a lyophilized antigen powder and a liquid adjuvant prior to use.
According to GSK, approval from the European Commission is anticipated in December 2025.
“At GSK, we are dedicated to driving innovation to continuously improve our world-class vaccines,” said Tony Wood, GSK’s Chief Scientific Officer. “The CHMP’s positive opinion on our new Shingrix presentation reflects our commitment to supporting the healthcare community by making it easier for healthcare professionals to provide protection against shingles.”
Shingrix has been authorized in the European Union for the prevention of herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia in adults aged 50 and over since 2018, and in adults 18 and older at increased risk since 2020. The vaccine enhances immune protection against the varicella-zoster virus in individuals with weakened or declining immune systems.
The CHMP recommendation is backed by data confirming the technical comparability of the pre-filled syringe and the existing version.
Shingles impacts approximately 1.7 million people across Europe annually. The disease results from the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus—the same virus responsible for chickenpox. Globally, up to one in three individuals may develop shingles during their lifetime, with over 90% of adults carrying the virus in a dormant state.
Symptoms typically appear as a painful, blistering rash on the chest, abdomen, or face. Roughly 30% of patients experience postherpetic neuralgia, a nerve pain that can persist for weeks, months, or even years after the rash subsides.
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