Pharma giant GlaxoSmithKline PLC (LON:GSK) has shown that its shingles vaccine Shingrix remained effective in elderly patients after four years.
In a phase III study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, Shingrix showed a 90% efficacy in adults aged 70 and older that was maintained for four years.
Importantly, Shingrix demonstrated a greater level of protection for elderly patients than the rival Merck & Co vaccine.
Shingles is a painful rash that develops as a result of the reactivation of the latent chickenpox virus. Complications from the virus intensify with age and can include scarring, vision problems and chronic pain. A person's risk for shingles increases sharply after 50 years of age.
“If approved, this candidate vaccine could be an important tool for the prevention of shingles and the pain associated with it, which would significantly impact the health and quality of life of so many people,” said senior vice president Emmanuel Hanon.
GSK said it expects to start submitting regulatory applications for its 50+ vaccine later this year.
Analysts at Cantor Fitzgerald said the publication of a more detailed analysis was “reassuring” and confirmed its view that it could be a “class leading vaccine”.
The broker said it expected first revenues for the product by 2018.
Cantor forecast a prospective dividend yield of 4.8%, maintaining its “hold” recommendation and target price of 1700p.
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