GSK launches chickenpox vaccine Varilrix in UK

GlaxoSmithKline has introduced the UK's first vaccine against chickenpox(varicella), Varilrix, and maintains that its availability will protect against a disease that kills more people in England and Wales than mumps, measles, whooping cough and Hemophilus influenzae type b meningitis combined.

Varilrix is indicated in the UK for active immunization against varicella in healthy adults and adolescents (aged over 13) who have been found to be seronegative with respect to the varicella-zoster virus and are, therefore, at risk of developing chickenpox. It is not indicated for routine use in children but may be administered to seronegative healthy children of one to12 years of age who are close contacts of individuals considered to be at high risk of severe varicella infections.

A GSK spokesman told Reuters that the vaccine's price is L29.37 ($45.87) per injection or L58.74 for full immunization course. The product was first launched in Asia in 1984, and is now available in more than 80 countries including Germany and Italy. However, it will not be sold in the USA, where a rival vaccine from Merck & Co, Varivax, is already widely used. In 1999, Merck claimed victory in a lawsuit which prevented the launch of Varilrix for three years from the date it receives marketing approval in the USA and Canada (Marketletter August 23, 1999).