GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has released encouraging data from a phase 3 trial investigating the co-administration of its RSV vaccine, Arexvy, and the shingles vaccine, Shingrix, in adults aged 50 and older. The trial, presented at the European Geriatric Medicine Society (EuGMS) Congress, demonstrated that co-administration resulted in a non-inferior immune response compared to administering the vaccines separately. This means that both vaccines effectively stimulated the immune system when given together.
Furthermore, the co-administration was well-tolerated, with an acceptable reactogenicity and safety profile. The most common side effects reported in both groups were pain at the injection site, fatigue, and muscle aches. The duration of these side effects was comparable across both groups.
These findings are significant as they offer a convenient and potentially more efficient approach to protecting older adults against both RSV and shingles. RSV is a common respiratory virus that can cause severe illness, particularly in older adults and infants. Each year, an estimated 177,000 adults aged 65 and older are hospitalized in the United States due to RSV, and approximately 14,000 deaths are attributed to this virus. Shingles, a painful rash caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), affects an estimated one million people in the US annually.
GSK is now preparing to submit these trial results for peer-reviewed scientific publication and will use the data to support regulatory submissions to the FDA, the European Medicines Agency, and other regulatory bodies. If approved, this co-administration strategy could streamline vaccination schedules for older adults and contribute to improved health outcomes.
It’s worth noting that the GSK proprietary AS01 adjuvant system, which contains QS-21 STIMULON adjuvant licensed from Antigenics Inc, plays a critical role in enhancing the effectiveness of both Arexvy and Shingrix.
This news has been met positively by investors, with GSK’s stock price rising by 0.59% at the last check on Wednesday.
