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Zostavax vaccine
Zostavax is a live attenuated vaccine that stimulates the immune system to prevent herpes zoster (shingles) by boosting varicella-zoster virus (VZV)-specific cell-mediated immunity.
Zostavax is a live attenuated vaccine that stimulates the immune system to prevent herpes zoster (shingles) by boosting varicella-zoster virus (VZV)-specific cell-mediated immunity. Used for Prevention of herpes zoster (shingles) in adults aged 50 years and older, Reduction of post-herpetic neuralgia in patients who develop shingles.
At a glance
| Generic name | Zostavax vaccine |
|---|---|
| Also known as | ZOSTAVAX® (Zoster Vaccine Live) |
| Sponsor | Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation |
| Drug class | Live attenuated vaccine |
| Target | Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Immunology / Infectious Disease |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
The vaccine contains a weakened live strain of varicella-zoster virus that replicates in the body at low levels, triggering both cellular and humoral immune responses. This immune activation enhances the body's ability to recognize and control latent VZV, reducing the risk of reactivation that causes shingles and post-herpetic neuralgia in older adults.
Approved indications
- Prevention of herpes zoster (shingles) in adults aged 50 years and older
- Reduction of post-herpetic neuralgia in patients who develop shingles
Common side effects
- Injection site erythema/redness
- Injection site swelling
- Injection site pain/tenderness
- Headache
- Myalgia
Key clinical trials
- Recombinant Zoster Vaccine in Young Adult Solid Organ Transplant Recipients (PHASE4)
- Recombinant Herpes Zoster Vaccine for Prevention of Cardiovascular Events and Dementia (PHASE4)
- Safety and Immunogenicity of CVI-VZV-001 in Adults Aged 50 Years and Above (PHASE2)
- Recombinant Herpes Zoster Vaccine in Patients With Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases Under Immunomodulators (PHASE4)
- A Phase III Clinical Trial to Evaluate Long-Term Protective Efficacy of Recombinant Zoster Vaccine (CHO Cell) (PHASE3)
- Immunogenicity, Efficacy and Safety of Recombinant Herpes Zoster Vaccine in Frail Patients
- Zoster Vaccine to Enhance Protection Against Zoster in Solid-organ Transplantation (PHASE2)
- Precision Medicine Approach for Early Dementia & Mild Cognitive Impairment (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:
- Zostavax vaccine CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Zostavax vaccine updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation portfolio CI