We already know that Gardasil protects women from two strains of human papillomavirus (HPV), types 16 and 18. New research presented the 23rd International Papillomavirus Conference and Clinical Workshop, Prague, Czech Republic, indicates that Gardasil may also protect against strains 31 and 45. Strains 16 and 18 are responsible for 75% of all cervical cancers, while strains 31 and 45 are responsible for 8% or 9%.

The scientists say further clinical trials will take place to find out whether cross neutralisation really does mean prevention of cancer caused by types 31 and 45.

These new findings are good news for the makers of Gardasil, Merck, who are in fierce competition with GlaxoSmithKline's Cervarix. Cervarix also seems to protect from a range of HPVs that lead to cancer of the cervix.

Gardasil has already been approved by the US Food and Drugs Administration (FDA). It should soon be approved in Europe. In Europe Gardasil will be sold through Sanofi-Aventis. Cervarix is has not been approved yet anywhere - it is further behind in development, compared to Gardasil.

Cancer of the cervix is the second biggest killer cancer of women in the world - about 300,000 women die each year from it worldwide.

-- gardasil
-- 23rd International Papillomavirus Conference and Clinical Workshop




View drug information on Cervarix [Human Papillomavirus Bivalent; Gardasil.