Shingles Vaccine Sales Increased 61% But Shingrix Inventory Remains Limited

The new shingles virus vaccine Shingrix reported a 61.5 percent increase in sales during the 4th quarter of 2018. 

Which is great news for GSK, the producer of Shringrix, which is an innovative protective vaccine, launched in October 2017. 

GSK’s Chief Executive Officer Emma Walmsley told wall street analysts on May 1, 2019, “Shingrix has delivered another fantastic performance in the quarter.” 

Shingrix increased sales were largely driven by the USA, which benefited from market growth in new patient populations covered by immunization recommendations, as well as growth in both Canada and Germany. 

And, these analysts are forecasting 2019 sales of 1.17 billion British pounds. 

Which is very good news for GSK revenues, but places additional production pressure to meet consumer demand for Shringrix. 

Most pharmacies in the USA already have extensive backorders for Shingrix, which has created significant consumer frustration. 

To mitigate this demand-supply imbalance, GSA announced on April 24th, 2019, GSK has pledged to boost its USA production capacity, saying it will invest $100 million to expand its Montana facility. 

Previously, Jack Bailey, President, US Pharmaceuticals, GSK, said in a press release, “By expanding the adjuvant system production capabilities in Hamilton, Montana, we will continue to deliver long-term and sustainable supply for key vaccines, including Shringix.”   

While both consumers and pharmacies wait for GSK to resolve their inventory situation, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) prepared several FAQs related to Shingrix, which can be found here. 

Almost 1 out of every 3 people in the United States will develop shingles, also known as zoster or herpes zoster, in their lifetime, says the CDC. 

There are an estimated 1 million cases of shingles each year in this country. Anyone who has recovered from chickenpox may develop shingles; even children can get shingles.   

However, the risk of shingles increases as you get older says the CDC. 

Relevant Links: CDC vaccination schedules, CDC vaccine price list, international travel alerts, and report vaccine side effects.