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GlaxoSmithKline's cervical cancer vaccine more effective in younger girls

Date published: 19/12/2005

A vaccine designed to fight a cause of cervical cancer has been found to be effective in young girls. GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) said that Cervarix produced antibodies twice as fast in girls aged ten to 14 than in young woman 15 to 25 years old. The drug is designed to fight the human papilloma virus (HPV), which causes 70 per cent of cervical cancer cases.

GSK's findings are controversial as the virus is spread through sexual transmission. The research suggests that the vaccine will last longer if given to children at an earlier age. It was still found to be effective enough to fight the virus in 15 to 25 year olds, however.

eaking to Bloomberg, GSK's Gary Dubin said that early use would produce the most benefit from the vaccine: "HPV infections are acquired fairly quickly after becoming sexually active, therefore you need to vaccinate girls at a fairly young age.

"Now we know we can vaccinate to age ten and the vaccine appears safe, generates even better responses and suggests protection achieved in young girls will last a long time."

Rival drugmaker Merck has already filed an application with the Food and Drug Administration for rival vaccine Gardasil, which has also been found to be effective amongst the same age group. "We're pretty close and we hope to announce a filing date soon," Mr Dubin added.

© Adfero Ltd

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