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varicella zoster virus
Varicella zoster virus (VZV) is a live attenuated viral vaccine that stimulates immune response to prevent chickenpox and herpes zoster infections.
Varicella zoster virus (VZV) is a live attenuated viral vaccine that stimulates immune response to prevent chickenpox and herpes zoster infections. Used for Prevention of varicella (chickenpox) in susceptible individuals, Prevention of herpes zoster (shingles) and post-herpetic neuralgia in adults.
At a glance
| Generic name | varicella zoster virus |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Varivax |
| Sponsor | AstraZeneca |
| Drug class | Live attenuated viral vaccine |
| Target | Varicella zoster virus envelope glycoproteins |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Immunology / Infectious Disease |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
The vaccine contains a weakened form of the varicella zoster virus that replicates in host cells sufficiently to trigger both cellular and humoral immune responses, generating protective antibodies and T-cell memory against the virus. This immunological priming prevents primary VZV infection (chickenpox) and reduces the risk and severity of reactivation disease (herpes zoster/shingles) later in life.
Approved indications
- Prevention of varicella (chickenpox) in susceptible individuals
- Prevention of herpes zoster (shingles) and post-herpetic neuralgia in adults
Common side effects
- Injection site reactions (erythema, swelling, pain)
- Varicella-like rash (vaccine strain)
- Fever
- Fatigue
Key clinical trials
- A Study to Learn About a Modified RNA Vaccine Against Shingles in Healthy Adults (PHASE1, PHASE2)
- Safety and Immunogenicity of CVI-VZV-001 in Adults Aged 50 Years and Above (PHASE2)
- Is a Third Dose of MMRV Vaccine Beneficial for the Adult Population in Alberta?
- Immunogenicity and Safety of Varicella Vaccine, Live in Healthy Vietnamese Children Aged 1~12 Years: A Single-armed Bridging Clinical Trial (PHASE3)
- Second Dose of Varicella Vaccine in Healthy Children (PHASE3)
- A Phase III Clinical Trial to Evaluate Long-Term Protective Efficacy of Recombinant Zoster Vaccine (CHO Cell) (PHASE3)
- Safety and Immunogenicity of Recombinant Varicella Zoster Virus Vaccine in People With HIV Who Have a CD4 Count Less Than 300 or Greater Than or Equal to 300 and a Healthy Control Population (PHASE1, PHASE2)
- Immunogenicity, Efficacy and Safety of Recombinant Herpes Zoster Vaccine in Frail Patients
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:
- varicella zoster virus CI brief — competitive landscape report
- varicella zoster virus updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- AstraZeneca portfolio CI