Dynavax Advances Shingles Vaccine Candidate Z-1018 to Phase I/II Part 2 After Positive Results

Dynavax Technologies has reported encouraging topline data from Part 1 of its Phase I/II trial of Z-1018, a shingles vaccine candidate, showing comparable efficacy and improved tolerability versus GSK’s Shingrix. The study, conducted in adults aged 50–69, evaluated multiple antigen doses and adjuvant formulations.

At the selected regimen for advancement, Z-1018 achieved a 100% humoral immune response, slightly higher than Shingrix’s 96.9%. On the cellular side, Z-1018 demonstrated an 89.7% CD4⁺ T-cell response, close to Shingrix’s 93.5%, resulting in overall vaccine response rates of 89.7% and 90.3%, respectively. Importantly, Z-1018 showed a better tolerability profile: only 12.5% of participants experienced grade 2/3 local reactions and 27.5% systemic reactions, compared with 52.6% and 63.2% for Shingrix.

With no safety concerns raised, Dynavax will advance Z-1018 into Part 2 of the study, targeting adults aged 70 and above, with dosing expected to begin later this year.

22-08-2025