GSK trials shingles vaccine

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has commenced late-stage clinical trials of its herpes zoster vaccine currently being developed for the prevention of shingles.

The phase III clinical programme will study more than 30,000 patients worldwide and will evaluate the efficacy, safety and immunogenicity of the vaccine.

Norman Begg, chief medical officer of GSK Biologicals said: "The commencement of the phase III programme for our candidate's herpes zoster vaccine is a significant milestone. Shingles is an often debilitating condition for which there are limited treatment and prevention options.

"Progression into late-stage development of our herpes zoster vaccine is an important milestone in ongoing efforts to potentially help address an important unmet need," he added.

Herpes zoster is commonly known as shingles. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) and occurs in around 3 out of 1,000 people per year in Europe.