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VA

varicella zoster vaccine

✓ Approved

HK inno.N · Vaccine · Vaccine

What is varicella zoster vaccine?

varicella zoster vaccine is a vaccine developed by HK inno.N. It is approved for therapeutic indications via injectable (others).

Drug Profile

CompanyHK inno.N
Drug ClassVaccine, Large Molecules
RouteInjectable (Others)
StatusApproved
Sources: ClinicalTrials.gov, HK inno.N

Therapeutic Indications

varicella zoster vaccine is developed for 1 unique indication across 1 therapeutic area.

Therapeutic AreaConditionPhase
Infections and infestationsVaricella zoster virus infection✓ Approved

Related Research Articles

PubMedOcular immunology and inflammation2026-09-19

Bilateral Maculopathy in an Infant Following Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Varicella-Zoster (MMRV) Vaccination.

Ben-Avi Ravid R, Amer Radgonde R

To report on the long-term clinical outcome of a healthy infant who presented with posterior uveitis following the administration of the combined measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (MMRV) vaccine. Descriptive case report. A 13-month-old infant presented with bilateral visual loss two weeks after receiving the MMRV vaccine. Ophthalmic examination revealed bilateral retinitis and retinal vasculitis with exudative retinal detachment. Extensive infectious work-up was conducted including serologic exams and PCR testing of blood, aqueous humor, cerebrospinal fluid and urine. Serological tests for measles yielded positive IgM and IgG titers. PCR testing for measles in the aqueous humor and urine was negative. Neurologic assessment and neuroimaging were unremarkable, excluding central nervous system involvement. Empiric systemic antiviral and corticosteroid therapy was initiated. Gradual resolution of posterior uveitis ensued, culminating in bilateral macular scars. Over a six-year follow-up period, the patient demonstrated stable ocular findings with no evidence of recurrent inflammation or systemic autoimmune disease. Final visual acuity was 6/9 in each eye. This case represents a rare occurrence of non-necrotizing retinitis following MMRV vaccination. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing the sequential OCT characteristics of presumed measles vaccine-associated retinitis. The prolonged follow-up period supports the absence of an alternative etiology and provides valuable insight into the long-term course and visual prognosis of vaccine-associated retinopathy.

PMID 42760840
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PubMedAAPS PharmSciTech2026-09-19

Comprehensive Stability Assessment of Squalene in a Nanoemulsion Adjuvant and the SpiN-Tec Vaccine: HPLC Quantification, Stress Testing, and Stability Studies.

Gomes Isabela Pereira IP, Rivelli Graziella Gomes GG, Bagno Flávia Fonseca FF, Hojo-Souza Natália Satchiko NS et al.

Squalene-based nanoemulsions are widely used as adjuvants in vaccine formulations, but their stability can be affected by environmental factors such as pH, oxidative stress, temperature, and light. We have produced a squalene nanoemulsion (CTVad1) to support the clinical development of new vaccines. This study aimed to develop and validate an HPLC method for squalene quantification in SpiN-Tec, a recombinant protein vaccine against COVID-19. We also aimed to evaluate the stability of the CTVad1 adjuvant and SpiN-Tec under controlled storage conditions. A reversed-phase HPLC method was developed and validated, and comprehensive forced degradation studies were performed on the raw material and SpiN-Tec under acidic, basic, oxidative, thermal, and photolytic conditions to demonstrate the stability-indicating capability of the method. Physicochemical, morphological, and biological characteristics were assessed, and stability studies of both the vaccine and the CTVad1 adjuvant were performed under accelerated and long-term conditions. The HPLC method was selective, precise, accurate, linear, and robust. Squalene raw material degraded under all tested conditions, whereas formulation in nano-sized globules improved its stability, with degradation observed only under hydrogen peroxide and light exposure. CTVad1 remained stable over time, exhibiting only minor, non-critical changes within the specification limits in both accelerated and long-term stability studies, regardless of the glass packaging used (clear or amber). In addition, the SpiN-Tec vaccine maintained its physicochemical and biological integrity under all tested conditions, with all evaluated parameters remaining within the established specification ranges. Our findings demonstrate that proper formulation, packaging, and storage conditions can preserve squalene stability in nanoemulsion-based vaccines, ensuring the quality, safety, and efficacy of the SpiN-Tec vaccine and its adjuvant throughout shelf life.

PMID 42760453
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PubMedThe Eurasian journal of medicine2026-09-19

Cinematic Rendering of Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Photorealistic Visualization of Normal Neuroanatomy and Primary Brain Tumors.

Fırat Zeynep Z, Er Füsun F, Di Ieva Antonio A, Ekinci Gazanfer G et al.

Cinematic rendering (CR) is an advanced post-processing technique that generates volumetric 3-dimensional (3D) visualizations from routine clinical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data, potentially enhancing anatomical interpretation and spatial understanding. In this retrospective single-center study, 3.0-T MRI datasets from 35 participants (15 healthy controls and 20 patients with histopathologically confirmed primary brain tumors) were analyzed. Cinematic rendering images were generated from precontrast 3D T1-weighted magnetization-prepared rapid acquisition gradient echo (MPRAGE) sequences. Two independent senior observers evaluated image resolution, anatomical detail, lesion depiction, visualization utility, and educational value using a 3-point Likert-type scale. Interobserver agreement was assessed using quadratic weighted Cohen's κ with bootstrap-derived 95% confidence intervals. Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 29.0 (IBM Corp.; Armonk, NY, USA). Cinematic rendering provided consistent, high-fidelity 3D visualization of normal neuroanatomy and tumor-related structural alterations across different primary brain tumor histologies. Image quality ratings were uniformly high (median score: 3), with no significant differences between groups (P ≥ .229). Educational value was rated consistently by both observers across all cases. Interobserver agreement ranged from substantial to almost perfect (κ = 0.65-1.00), with perfect agreement for lesion depiction (κ = 1.00; 100% agreement). Cinematic rendering applied to routine brain MRI provides reproducible, depth-enhanced 3D visualization of normal brain anatomy and tumor-related spatial relationships. The technique demonstrates consistent image quality and interpretability across different tumor types and may serve as a supplementary tool for neuroanatomical education and spatial understanding in clinical practice. Cite this article as: Fırat Z, Er F, Ieva AD, Ekinci G, Türe U. Cinematic rendering of brain magnetic resonance imaging: photorealistic visualization of normal neuroanatomy and primary brain tumors. Eurasian J Med. 2026, 58(4), 1605, doi: 10.5152/ eurasianjmed.2026.261605.

PMID 42760764
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PubMedMedScience2026-09-19

Neoantigen cancer vaccines for gastrointestinal tumors: opportunities and challenges.

Zhao Zixuan Z, Du Xinyu X, Gao Xiaoliang X, Zhao Sheng S et al.

Gastrointestinal tumors are characterized by high global incidence and mortality rates. Although immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have achieved breakthroughs in some of these cancers, their overall response rate remains low. Neoantigen cancer vaccines have emerged as a promising new strategy for immunotherapy in gastrointestinal tumors due to their high specificity and strong immunogenicity. These vaccines effectively activate specific T-cell immunity and can produce synergistic effects when combined with ICIs. Various vaccine platforms offer distinct advantages, and clinical trials have shown encouraging potential in inducing immune responses and extending progression-free survival. Meanwhile, current challenges and future directions cannot be ignored. Key challenges primarily involve the accuracy of neoantigen prediction, tumor heterogeneity, and optimal treatment timing. Future directions include artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted multi-omics screening, the development of universal vaccines, optimization of novel delivery systems, and multimodal combination strategies. These advances are expected to promote the application of neoantigen cancer vaccines in postoperative recurrence prevention and early-stage treatment, ultimately moving toward personalized precision immunotherapy. This article systematically reviews the clinical progress and prospects of neoantigen cancer vaccines in treating gastrointestinal tumors, aiming to provide insights for immunotherapy in this field and offer new perspectives for further optimization of such vaccines.

PMID 42760419
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PubMedClinical and experimental pediatrics2026-09-18

Effect of varicella vaccine introduction on chickenpox incidence in Kingdom of Bahrain.

Mohammed Afaf A, Isa Hasan H, Hasan Malak M, Hasan Maram M et al.

Chickenpox (varicella) is a highly contagious and self-limiting disease in children. However, complications and hospitalizations may occur. In Bahrain, the varicella vaccine was introduced into the routine childhood immunization schedule in May 2015. However, published data describing the epidemiological patterns of varicella postvaccine introduction are limited. This study aimed to estimate varicella vaccine effectiveness (VE); investigate changes in varicella incidence and seasonal variation; compare age groups, healthcare utilization, and hospitalization; and identify predictors of vaccine uptake. This retrospective national study included all clinically diagnosed varicella cases reported to the Public Health Directorate in Bahrain in 2010-2024. Annual and age-specific incidence rates and seasonal variations were calculated. Demographic characteristics, healthcare settings, and hospitalizations were compared by vaccination status. Varicella VE was estimated using a screening method. Of the 34,499 varicella surveillance records, 32,177 were confirmed as chickenpox cases (15,579 in 2010- 2013, 16,598 in 2014-2024). The annual incidence peaked at 251.8 per 100,000 in 2015 and declined to 28.5 per 100,000 by 2024 postvaccination (88.7% reduction). Seasonal peaks were more evident between 2014 and 2019 but became less pronounced thereafter. Most patients were male (57.4%), Bahraini nationals (69.1%), or unvaccinated (90.1%). The most affected age groups were children aged 5-9 years (36.1%) and 0-4 years (28.4%). More than 98% of the cases were managed in primary healthcare settings. Only 12 of the unvaccinated patients (0.1%) required hospitalization. The calculated VE ranged from 97.7% to 100%. Compared to children aged 0-4 years, all older age groups had significantly lower odds of vaccination (P<0.001). Similarly, non-Bahraini patients had a lower odd than Bahraini patients (odds ratio, 0.744; 95% confidence interval, 0.633- 0.875; P<0.001). The introduction of routine childhood varicella vaccination in Bahrain resulted in a substantial decline in the incidence of varicella, particularly among vaccine-eligible children. Severe diseases requiring hospitalization are rare and occur only in unvaccinated individuals. Age and nationality were independent predictors of vaccine uptake.

PMID 42755083
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PubMedInternational journal of general medicine2026-09-18

Herpes Zoster in Aging Patients: Risk Factors and Prevention Strategies.

Okoye Chibuzo C, Ashby Bernard B, Campos Rita R, Hall Chase S CS et al.

Herpes zoster (HZ), also known as shingles, is caused by varicella-zoster virus reactivation and can lead to long-term complications such as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). Risk of HZ and related complications increases with age, presence of chronic conditions, and immunosuppression. The United States (US) has an increasingly aging and multimorbid population; therefore, knowledge of risk factors and prevention opportunities for HZ are of critical importance to inform broad efforts to prevent this disease. To consolidate information on risk factors for adults aged ≥50 years and opportunities to address gaps in HZ prevention, a narrative review was conducted. In addition to well-known risk factors for HZ, such as immunocompromising conditions and immunosuppressive treatments, this review highlights risk factors less recognized in the existing literature. These risk factors (which include certain cardiovascular and chronic respiratory conditions, as well as diabetes, chronic kidney disease, end-stage kidney disease [ESKD], and multimorbidity) are pertinent to comprehensive preventive care. Several studies identified increased risks of adverse HZ outcomes, including PHN and functional decline during and following HZ episodes, in adults aged ≥50 years, with risk usually exacerbated by underlying medical conditions. Observational studies have shown that patients with HZ were at increased risk for certain acute cardiovascular disease events (e.g, major adverse cardiovascular events and post-herpetic cerebrovascular accidents), especially in the weeks and months following HZ. For US adults aged ≥50 years and immunocompromised adults aged ≥19 years, the recombinant zoster vaccine is recommended for the prevention of HZ by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, gaps in prevention remain. Opportunities exist to improve HZ prevention in adults aged ≥50 years, particularly among those with comorbidities, by expanding medical societies' dissemination tactics for vaccination guidelines and recommendations, and empowering specialists to both incorporate risk assessment into routine care and encourage vaccination guideline adherence.

PMID 42756894
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