GSK Leverages CIIE Opportunities to Co-Build a Multidimensional Adult Vaccination Ecosystem

On November 6, GlaxoSmithKline PLC. (hereinafter referred to as "GSK"), a biopharmaceutical company, held a media roundtable event themed "Three Highs and One Rash: Discussing New Frontiers of Medical-Preventive Collaboration" at the 8th China International Import Expo (hereinafter referred to as "CIIE").

Guests from multiple fields, including disease control and clinical experts, gathered to jointly discuss how to further expand the practical boundaries of medical prevention collaboration under the new normal. They also explored optimizing collaborative prevention and control strategies for chronic and infectious diseases, while sharing effective experiences in community innovation of health service models and improving residents' health literacy, injecting new momentum into the construction of "Healthy China."

From Product to Concept: GSK's Dual Leap in Expanding New Frontiers of Prevention

"The definition of 'boundaries' is not only reflected in the updating of medical theories but also in the continuous expansion of clinical practice. Li Weidong, Vice President of GSK and head of China’s vaccine business, stated in his speech: 'With the ongoing advancement of modern medicine, the clear boundaries between traditional clinical diagnosis and treatment and disease prevention are constantly being broken and expanded. We recognize that only by deeply integrating the foresight of 'prevention' with the precision of 'treatment' can we truly achieve health management throughout the entire life cycle. Facing the complex challenges posed by the interplay of chronic diseases and infectious diseases, it is necessary for all parties to build consensus and continuously explore new frontiers in immunization and prevention. GSK has always leveraged its professional expertise in the vaccine field to deeply explore the strategic value of prevention across a broader range of disease areas. By introducing cutting-edge innovative vaccines and a diversified product pipeline, we are committed to preventing diseases at their source and improving disease outcomes. We hope that by promoting scientific collaboration and ecosystem co-construction, we can lead the three-dimensional development of the adult vaccine system, making prevention the true starting point of a healthy life.'"

Wei Dong Li, Vice President of GSK and Head of China Vaccine Business

At this year's CIIE, GSK focused on product innovation and health education as two core strategies to further promote the concept of "medical prevention collaboration" from idea to practice, assisting in the improvement and upgrading of China's adult vaccine ecosystem.

At the product innovation level, "CIIE Baby" Shingrix received approval from the China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) in October this year to expand its indications for use in preventing shingles in adults aged 18 and above who are at increased risk of shingles due to immunodeficiency or immunosuppression caused by known diseases or treatments (such as autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation). This is the first and currently the only vaccine approved by the NMPA for the prevention of shingles in this population, representing an expansion from its previous indication for adults aged 50 and above. This marks the progression of shingles prevention and control from elderly disease management towards proactive immunity throughout the entire life cycle.

At the same time, public health education is also an important fulcrum for the integration of medical treatment and prevention to move from concept to practice. At the level of health science popularization, GSK continues to collaborate with the government, academia, and grassroots forces to promote the coordinated prevention and control of chronic diseases and infectious diseases. Based on the existing "three highs co-management," further exploration of the comprehensive management model of "three highs and one rash" will organically combine the prevention of hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and herpes zoster, pushing forward the prevention checkpoints and promoting multi-disease co-prevention. By implementing the practice of "medical and preventive collaboration" in communities and medical institutions, it is expected to effectively reduce the infection burden of chronic disease patients, enhance the overall resilience of the public health system, and further expand the practical boundaries of immune prevention.

Build a Strong Health Defense Line, Explore New Frontiers in Immune Prevention

Sun Xiaodong, Deputy Director of the Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, stated: "The scope of immunization and prevention must be further extended to key high-risk groups such as the elderly and those with chronic diseases. Chronic disease patients, due to their weakened immune function, are more susceptible to co-infections like herpes zoster, influenza, and pneumonia. These infections can further exacerbate their pre-existing chronic conditions, creating a vicious cycle. The theme of this roundtable meeting, 'Three Highs and One Rash,' precisely encapsulates this situation. This also places higher demands on the work of disease control. In the future, it will be necessary to consider incorporating more high-risk factors, such as infectious diseases like herpes zoster, into the overall prevention and treatment of chronic diseases, promoting the deep integration of immunization and chronic disease management, and helping to improve overall public health efficiency. Vaccines, as a public health tool with significant cost-effectiveness, are the crucial bridge connecting 'medicine' and 'prevention.' In the current complex public health landscape where chronic diseases and infectious diseases intersect, vaccines can protect people with chronic diseases from infectious diseases like herpes zoster, mitigating the harm and impact of comorbidities."

Sun Xiaodong, Deputy Director of Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention

GSK China's Head of Vaccine Medicine, He Yunpeng, added: "Expanding the boundaries of immunization means allowing scientific innovation to benefit more people. We are continuously advancing the development of innovative vaccines and clinical collaborations across multiple disease areas, including Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccines, hepatitis B vaccines, meningococcal vaccines, and pneumococcal vaccines, with these products being rapidly deployed in China."

GSK China Vaccine Medical Director and Cloud Crane

He Yunpeng stated that people with chronic diseases are not contraindicated for vaccination; instead, they should place greater emphasis on the protective value of vaccines for health. Middle-aged and elderly individuals, especially those with "three highs" (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar), can receive vaccinations during periods of stable condition to reduce the risk of herpes zoster infection. They should consult a doctor before vaccination to ensure scientific protection.

Collaborative Management of Chronic Diseases, Building New Boundaries for Multi-Disease Prevention

Dr. Zou Dajin, Chief Physician of the Endocrinology Department at Shanghai Tongren Hospital and Honorary Chairman of the Diabetes Society of the Shanghai Medical Association, reminded: "Diabetes patients also face a high risk of shingles. Compared with the general population, the risk of shingles in diabetes patients increases by 60%. After diabetes patients develop shingles, the risk of postherpetic neuralgia rises, and the neuralgia tends to be more severe and prolonged. Diabetes management requires attention to both blood glucose control and infection prevention. During routine follow-ups, doctors should help patients establish an 'active prevention' mindset while adjusting medications, diet, and exercise interventions. For example, providing timely vaccination guidance to eligible patients not only reduces the risk of co-existing infectious diseases but also helps chronic disease patients transition from passive treatment to proactive health."

Dr. Zou Dajin, Chief Physician of the Endocrinology Department at Shanghai Tongren Hospital, Honorary Chairman of the Diabetes Society of the Shanghai Medical Association

Zhang Yi, Director of the Scientific Research Department and Director of the Hypertension Center/Pan-Vascular Center at Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, pointed out: "The health management of chronic disease patients is not only about controlling blood pressure, blood lipids, and blood sugar but also focusing on maintaining immune function, making 'prevention' truly a part of 'treatment.' For cardiovascular disease patients, infectious diseases such as herpes zoster are hidden health risks. These patients often suffer from relatively weaker immune functions, making them more vulnerable to 'double blows' from infections. If preventive measures, such as receiving the herpes zoster vaccine, can be taken during periods of stable condition, the risk of infection can be effectively reduced, avoiding the addition of new health risks on top of existing chronic conditions."

Zhang Yi, Director of the Research Department and Director of the Hypertension Center/Pan-Vascular Center at Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital

Medical and preventive collaboration is turning from an idea into action. As the "last mile" of the public health system, communities play a crucial role in promoting this collaboration. In recent years, Shanghai has been innovating in exploring community prevention and control systems, focusing on "shifting prevention forward and extending services downward." This has gradually led to a comprehensive prevention model that combines health education, vaccination, and chronic disease management.

In the future, under the guidance of the "Healthy China" strategy, GSK will continue to empower the public health system through innovation, promoting the benefits of immunization innovations to reach an even wider population.