Zoster vaccine live - Biologic Drug Details

Summary for zoster vaccine live

Tradenames:	1
High Confidence Patents:	0
Applicants:	1
BLAs:	1
Suppliers: see list	1
Recent Clinical Trials:	See clinical trials for zoster vaccine live

Recent Clinical Trials for zoster vaccine live

Identify potential brand extensions & biosimilar entrants

Sponsor	Phase
Suzhou Abogen Biosciences Co., Ltd.	PHASE2
Abogen Biosciences (Shanghai) Co., Ltd	PHASE2
Suzhou Abogen Biosciences Co., Ltd.	PHASE1

See all zoster vaccine live clinical trials

Note on Biologic Patents

Matching patents to biologic drugs is far more complicated than for small-molecule drugs.

DrugPatentWatch employs three methods to identify biologic patents:

1. Brand-side disclosures in response to biosimilar applications

These patents were identified from disclosures by the brand-side company, in response to a potential biosimilar seeking to launch. They have a high certainty of blocking biosimilar entry. The expiration dates listed are not estimates — they're expiration dates as indicated by the brand-side company.

2. DrugPatentWatch analysis and brand-side disclosures

These patents were identified from searching drug labels and other general disclosures from the brand-side company. This list may exclude some of the patents which block biosimilar launch, and some of these patents listed may not actually block biosimilar launch. The expiration dates listed for these patents are estimates, based on the grant date of the patent.

3. Patents from broad patent text search

For completeness, these patents were identified by searching the patent literature for mentions of the branded or ingredient name of the drug. Some of these patents protect the original drug, whereas others may protect follow-on inventions or even inventions casually mentioning the drug. The expiration dates listed for these patents are estimates, based on the grant date of the patent.

1) High Certainty: US Patents for zoster vaccine live Derived from Brand-Side Litigation

No patents found based on brand-side litigation

2) High Certainty: US Patents for zoster vaccine live Derived from DrugPatentWatch Analysis and Company Disclosures

These patents were obtained from company disclosures

Applicant	Tradename	Biologic Ingredient	Dosage Form	BLA	Patent No.	Estimated Patent Expiration	Source
Merck Sharp & Dohme Llc	ZOSTAVAX	zoster vaccine live	For Injection	125123		2016-04-12	DrugPatentWatch analysis and company disclosures
Merck Sharp & Dohme Llc	ZOSTAVAX	zoster vaccine live	For Injection	125123		2016-09-27	DrugPatentWatch analysis and company disclosures
Merck Sharp & Dohme Llc	ZOSTAVAX	zoster vaccine live	For Injection	125123		2019-02-19	DrugPatentWatch analysis and company disclosures
Merck Sharp & Dohme Llc	ZOSTAVAX	zoster vaccine live	For Injection	125123		2020-07-27	DrugPatentWatch analysis and company disclosures
Merck Sharp & Dohme Llc	ZOSTAVAX	zoster vaccine live	For Injection	125123		2022-07-31	DrugPatentWatch analysis and company disclosures
Merck Sharp & Dohme Llc	ZOSTAVAX	zoster vaccine live	For Injection	125123		2022-05-29	DrugPatentWatch analysis and company disclosures
Merck Sharp & Dohme Llc	ZOSTAVAX	zoster vaccine live	For Injection	125123		2025-04-25	DrugPatentWatch analysis and company disclosures

3) Low Certainty: US Patents for zoster vaccine live Derived from Patent Text Search

These patents were obtained by searching patent claims

Applicant	Tradename	Biologic Ingredient	Dosage Form	BLA	Patent No.	Estimated Patent Expiration	Source
Merck Sharp & Dohme Llc	ZOSTAVAX	zoster vaccine live	For Injection	125123		2033-03-13	Patent claims search
Merck Sharp & Dohme Llc	ZOSTAVAX	zoster vaccine live	For Injection	125123		2034-06-10	Patent claims search
Merck Sharp & Dohme Llc	ZOSTAVAX	zoster vaccine live	For Injection	125123		2036-12-15	Patent claims search
Merck Sharp & Dohme Llc	ZOSTAVAX	zoster vaccine live	For Injection	125123		2036-03-01	Patent claims search
Merck Sharp & Dohme Llc	ZOSTAVAX	zoster vaccine live	For Injection	125123		2035-06-18	Patent claims search
Merck Sharp & Dohme Llc	ZOSTAVAX	zoster vaccine live	For Injection	125123		2033-10-31	Patent claims search
Merck Sharp & Dohme Llc	ZOSTAVAX	zoster vaccine live	For Injection	125123		2033-04-24	Patent claims search

International Patents for zoster vaccine live

Country	Patent Number	Estimated Expiration
Norway	20005608
Australia	2009226949
Slovenia	2780039
Peru	20141790
New Zealand	624470
South Africa	201403299
Japan	2015502350

Market Dynamics and Financial Trajectory for Zoster Vaccine Live

Last updated: February 26, 2026

What is the current market position of Zoster Vaccine Live?

Zoster Vaccine Live (ZVL), marketed as Zostavax by Merck, remains a leading licensed vaccine for herpes zoster prevention. Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2006, it targets adults aged 50 and older. The vaccine has generated substantial revenue, peaking around $719 million in 2018 before declining in recent years as new alternatives entered the market.

How has the market for ZVL evolved?

Year	Global Sales (USD millions)	Key Factors
2006	N/A	FDA approval; first herpes zoster vaccine available
2018	719	Peak sales; high uptake in older adults
2019-2022	Declining to below 600	Shifts toward new vaccines, waning immunity, COVID-19 impact

The decline from peak sales is driven by several factors: reduced public confidence following post-licensure safety concerns, supply constraints, and the advent of newer vaccines with improved efficacy. The COVID-19 pandemic also shifted healthcare focus and resource allocation away from herpes zoster vaccination.

What are key factors influencing the dynamics?

Competition from Recombinant Zoster Vaccine

In 2017, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) launched Shingrix, a recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) with two doses, approved for adults aged 50 and older. It has rapidly gained market share:

Parameter	ZVL (Zostavax)	RZV (Shingrix)
Efficacy	51% (over 3-4 years)	97% (across age groups)
Dosing schedule	Single dose	Two doses (2-6 months apart)
Approval	2006	2017 (US), 2018 (global)

Shingrix's higher efficacy and durable protection have led to a significant shift in vaccination practices. This has diminished ZVL’s market share, especially among healthcare providers prioritizing better long-term outcomes.

Regulatory and Policy Environment

US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines favor Shingrix over ZVL since 2018. Many countries follow suit, influencing sales decline. In addition, insurance reimbursement favors newer vaccines, reducing consumer uptake of ZVL.

Supply Constraints and Safety Concerns

In 2018, temporary shortages of ZVL occurred due to manufacturing issues, limiting supply and reducing sales. Safety data indicating rare adverse events with ZVL, such as rare allergic reactions, lowered public confidence.

What are future financial projections?

Market Forecast (2023-2028)

Year	Estimated Global Sales (USD millions)	Drivers
2023	~400	Continued decline, replenishment of older stock
2024-2025	150-250	Minimal demand as Shingrix dominates
2026-2028	Below 100	Market disappearance, potential for residual use

The primary revenue for Zostavax will decline further, with residual sales limited to regions or settings with limited access to newer vaccines. Peak revenues are unlikely to recur.

Key Market Segmentation Insights

• Geography: US accounts for 70% of sales historically. European markets largely favor RZV, reducing ZVL use.
• Healthcare Settings: Primary care clinics and older adult health programs are the main channels.
• Pricing: ZVL has historically been priced lower than RZV. However, price reductions are happening as sales decline and manufacturers attempt to clear inventory.

What are potential future opportunities and risks?

Opportunities:

• Niche markets in countries with delayed healthcare infrastructure upgrades.
• Use in populations contraindicated for RZV, such as immunocompromised patients (pending approval).

Risks:

• Obliteration of the ZVL market due to complete substitution by RZV.
• Potential safety concerns or supply issues affecting residual sales.

Summary of Market Drivers and Barriers

Drivers	Barriers
Higher vaccine efficacy (RZV)	Existing inventory and low demand for ZVL
Policy endorsement of newer vaccines	Safety concerns and public perception
Growing awareness of herpes zoster risks	Limited residual demand in mature markets

Key Takeaways

• Zoster Vaccine Live has experienced a steady decline since its peak in 2018.
• The introduction of Shingrix in 2017/2018 significantly shifted market share and reduced ZVL's market viability.
• Future sales will diminish to minimal levels, constrained by policy preferences and vaccine efficacy concerns.
• Limited opportunities exist outside niche markets or regions with delayed vaccine adoption.
• The long-term financial trajectory indicates near-complete phase-out in developed markets by 2028.

FAQs

1. Will Zoster Vaccine Live regain market share?
Unlikely. The superior efficacy, safety profile, and policy endorsement of Shingrix push ZVL toward market extinction.

2. Are there any new developments in ZVL formulations?
No significant new formulations or indications are currently under development for ZVL.

3. Which markets are still using ZVL?
Mostly low-income countries or regions with delayed regulatory approval for newer vaccines.

4. Can ZVL be used in immunocompromised populations?
Currently, ZVL is contraindicated in immunocompromised individuals. RZV has broader approval for such groups, limiting ZVL use.

5. How are sales impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic?
Disrupted healthcare services and reduced routine vaccinations contributed to a decline, but the main factor remains the market shift to RZV.

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References

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Shingles (Herpes Zoster): Recommendations for adults age 50+. https://www.cdc.gov/shingles/vaccination.html
2. GlaxoSmithKline. (2018). Shingrix quad dose for the prevention of herpes zoster. https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/media/press-releases/shingrix-approval/
3. Merck & Co. (2022). Zostavax (herpes zoster vaccine live): Product information. https://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/z/zostavax/zostavax_pi.pdf
4. CDC. (2020). Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP): Herpes Zoster Vaccination. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep;69(3):1-11.