Last reviewed · How we verify
Marketed varicella vaccine
A live attenuated varicella-zoster virus vaccine that stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies and cell-mediated immunity against varicella (chickenpox).
A live attenuated varicella-zoster virus vaccine that stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies and cell-mediated immunity against varicella (chickenpox). Used for Prevention of varicella (chickenpox) in children and adults, Prevention of herpes zoster (shingles) in adults ≥50 years of age.
At a glance
| Generic name | Marketed varicella vaccine |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | GlaxoSmithKline |
| Drug class | Live attenuated vaccine |
| Target | Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) |
| Modality | Biologic |
| Therapeutic area | Immunology / Infectious Disease |
| Phase | Phase 3 |
Mechanism of action
The vaccine contains a weakened form of the varicella-zoster virus that replicates in the body at a limited level, triggering both humoral (antibody) and cellular immune responses without causing clinical disease. This primes the immune system to recognize and rapidly respond to natural varicella-zoster virus infection, preventing or significantly reducing the severity of chickenpox and reducing the risk of herpes zoster (shingles) later in life.
Approved indications
- Prevention of varicella (chickenpox) in children and adults
- Prevention of herpes zoster (shingles) in adults ≥50 years of age
Common side effects
- Injection site reactions (erythema, swelling, tenderness)
- Varicella-like rash (vaccine strain)
- Fever
- Fatigue
Key clinical trials
- A Study on the Immune Response and Safety of the Second Dose of an Investigational Chickenpox Vaccine When Given to Healthy Children 3 Months After a First Dose at 12 to 15 Months of Age (PHASE3)
- A Study on the Immune Response and Safety of an Investigational Chickenpox Vaccine and a Marketed Measles, Mumps and Rubella Vaccine When Administered as Intramuscular Injection to Healthy Children 12 to 15 Months of Age (PHASE3)
- A Study on the Immune Response and Safety of a Combined Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Chickenpox Vaccine Compared to a Marketed Combined Vaccine, Given to Healthy Children 4 to 6 Years of Age (PHASE2)
- A Study on the Immune Response and Safety of an Investigational Chickenpox Vaccine When Given to Healthy Children 12 to 15 Months of Age (PHASE3)
- A Study on the Immune Response and Safety of Various Potencies of an Investigational Chickenpox Vaccine Compared With a Marketed Chickenpox Vaccine, Given to Healthy Children 12 to 15 Months of Age (PHASE2)
- A Study on the Safety of an Investigational Chickenpox Vaccine, When Given to Healthy Children, 12 to 15 Months of Age (PHASE3)
- Immunogenicity and Safety of a Live Attenuated Varicella Vaccine in Children Aged 1-12 Years (PHASE3)
- A Phase III Clinical Trial Assessing the Immunogenicity and Safety of Lyophilized Live-Attenuated Varicella Vaccine in Healthy Subjects Aged 13 to 55 Years (PHASE3)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Marketed varicella vaccine CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Marketed varicella vaccine updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- GlaxoSmithKline portfolio CI