Clinical data show that GlaxoSmithKline PLC's vaccine candidate Cervarix is effective for more than six years at preventing certain strains of human papillomavirus. The data, which were collected as part of follow-up to an earlier study, were presented in Tampa, Fla., at a meeting of the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists.
In a trial involving 776 vaccinated women tracked for almost six-and-a-half years, Glaxo said nearly all still had high levels of antibodies to HPV types 16 and 18. Cervarix was nearly 100 percent effective at blocking cancerous lesions caused by these HPV types, the company said. Furthermore, it offered 78 percent protection against type 45 and 60 percent protection against type 31. Together, these four HPV types are linked to about 80 percent of cervical cancer cases worldwide, Glaxo said.
Trial participants, ranging in age from 15 to 25, were each given three Cervarix injections or three placebo shots. Glaxo reported no significant health risks associated with the vaccine.
Glaxo first sought Food and Drug Administration approval of Cervarix in 2007 and believes it will be able to bring the vaccine to market this year. Cervarix is already approved for use in 55 nations, including countries of the European Union.
03/10/08
UNITED STATES: Glaxo Says Data Show Cervarix Vaccine Works Against Cancer-Causing HPV Strains in W
Source: Associated Press; Courtesy of the CDC National Center for HIV, STD, and TB Prevention