(Yicai Global) May 31 -- Luzhu Biotechnology’s shares jumped after the Chinese firm announced the successful completion of the phase II clinical trial of its recombinant herpes zoster vaccine in May.

After soaring by as much as 13.1 percent in the afternoon trading session, Luzhu Biotech [HKG: 2480] shares closed up 6.1 percent at HKD28.65 (USD3.66).

Luzhu Biotech listed in Hong Kong on May 8, and the LZ901 recombinant herpes zoster vaccine is the Beijing-based firm’s main product. According to Luzhu Biotech, the clinical trial results are statistically and clinically significant, with good safety.

The company said it is advancing the phase III clinical trial of LZ901 in China and striving to start it as soon as possible. In its listing prospectus released in April, the firm said it would submit a marketing application for LZ901 to the National Medical Products Administration in the third quarter of 2024.

Herpes zoster is a common dermatological disease among elderly people, immunosuppressed or immunodeficient groups. As China’s aging process is relatively faster, market prospects for herpes zoster vaccines are very bright.

According to Frost & Sullivan, the sales revenue of herpes zoster vaccines in China surged from nothing in 2015 to CNY600 million (USD84.4 million) in 2021. That is expected to jump to CNY10.8 billion (USD1.5 billion) by 2025 and CNY28.1 billion by 2030.

At present, there are two herpes zoster vaccines approved for sale in China, namely GSK’s Shingrix and Changchun BCHT Biotechnology’s Herpes Zoster Vaccine, Live.

According to Luzhu Biotech’s prospectus, the retail price of LZ901 is expected to be about CNY500 to CNY800 per dose, and only two jabs are required for each course of treatment. The price will be more affordable compared with other herpes zoster vaccines on sale.

The firm is also exploring overseas markets. In February, Luzhu Biotech launched the phase I clinical trial of LZ901 in the United States, and it plans to complete phase III clinical trials in the US in the second quarter of 2027.

Editors: Shi Yi, Peter Thomas