On Wednesday, most members of a Food and Drug Administration advisory panel said Merck & Co.'s Gardasil human papillomavirus vaccine appears effective in preventing anal cancer. Merck presented the FDA panel with data from tests of Gardasil among men. However, many panelists said they feel confident the vaccine also would prevent HPV-related anal cancer among women.
The advisory panel did not vote on the matter. FDA will consider the panel's input as it decides whether to approve Gardasil for preventing anal cancer among males and females ages 9-26. FDA also is expected to determine by the end of the year whether to widen Gardasil's approval for preventing cervical cancer to include women ages 27-45, said Pam Eisele, a Merck spokesperson.
11/18/10
UNITED STATES: US Panel Positive on Merck Vaccine for Anal Cancer
Source: Reuters (11.17.10):: Lisa Richwine; Courtesy of the CDC National Center for HIV, STD, and TB Prevention