China's National Medical Products Administration has approved UK-based GlaxoSmithKline's Shingrix vaccine to prevent shingles (herpes zoster) in adults aged 50 years or older, it was reported Friday.

This product is a non-live and recombinant subunit adjuvanted vaccine, administered intramuscularly in two doses.

According to the company, the approval is in response to last year's inclusion of the product on a list of 48 'clinically needed new medicines' in China designated for expedited review.

The firm added that it is planning to increase supply of Shingrix across the globe over the next few years and is investing in capacity expansion.

Approval of the vaccine is said to follow a comprehensive phase III clinical trial programme evaluating its efficacy, safety and immunogenicity in over 38,000 people.