25 Studies Supporting HPV Vaccination

Merck announced it will present the results from 25 clinical studies focused on the Human Papolivirus (HPV) during the 2019 European Research Organization on Genital Infection and Neoplasia (EUROGIN) Congress in Monaco.

Merck said in an email that ‘it reaffirms its commitment to accelerate the detection and elimination of HPV-related cancers and diseases.’

“We are expanding on Merck’s 20-year history of HPV cancer research and development, including long-term data supporting the safety and efficacy of GARDASIL and GARDASIL 9, to further the science that may one day enable a world free of cancers caused by HPV,” said Alain Luxembourg, M.D., Ph.D., director of clinical research, Merck.

Highlights from certain Merck-HPV vaccine presentations are inserted below:

• The pivotal 36-month Phase III immunogenicity study of GARDASIL 9 in girls and boys aged 9-15 years was extended to assess long-term immunogenicity and effectiveness through approximately 10 years after vaccination.
  • This interim analysis demonstrates sustained immunogenicity and effectiveness through approximately 7 and 8 years, respectively, post 9vHPV vaccination of girls and boys aged 9-15 years.
  • Abstract 
• A long-term follow-up extension of the pivotal efficacy study of the GARDASIL 9 in young women 16-26 years of age was initiated to assess effectiveness for up to 14 years total follow-up.
  • The 9vHPV vaccine provides continued protection through at least 6 years following vaccination with a trend toward continued effectiveness for up to 8 years.
  • Abstract 
• Prevalence, incidence and natural history of HPV infection in women ages 24-45 participating in a vaccine trial.
  • Even as the incidence of new HPV infections decreases with increasing age, mid-adult women still acquire new infections, including those that persist.
  • Abstract
• Natural History of Oral Human Papillomavirus Infection in Healthy Populations: Design of the Prevalence of Oral HPV Infection, A Global Assessment, THE PROGRESS STUDY
  • Data arising from this study will inform the burden and natural history of OHPV among the general population across multiple geographic world regions utilizing a common standard protocol.
  • Abstract 

“HPV does not discriminate by age or gender, with about 65 people around the world diagnosed with certain HPV-related cancers every hour,” said Dr. Luxembourg.

HPV is a common virus that affects most (80%) sexually active males and females in their lifetime, says the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). An estimated 14 million people in the United States will become newly infected with HPV each year. Studies suggest that sexually active adults remain at risk for acquiring new HPV.

For most people, HPV clears on its own, but for others who don’t clear the virus, it could lead to certain cancers and other diseases. There is no way to know which people who have HPV will develop cancer.

In women, HPV can cause cervical, vaginal and vulvar cancer, while anal and oral cancers can occur in both women and men.

Recent HPV news

• Vaccinate Girls Against Cancer Before Boys
• HPV Vaccination Affirmed as ‘Safe’ Once Again

More than 120 types of HPV are recognized and classified by sequences on an outer surface protein of the virus. Most HPVs infect cutaneous epithelial cells, whereas some HPVs infect the mucosal basal epithelium, says the CDC.

During June 2019, the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices voted unanimously to recommend the HPV vaccination for most men and women through the age of 45.

The CDC recommends 2-doses of the HPV vaccine for all adolescents at age 11 or 12 years.

Since late 2016, Gardasil 9 has been the only HPV vaccine available for use in the USA.

And the CDC recently extended this cancer-prevention vaccine for older individuals.

NOTE:  Gardasil 9 is only available as a brand name vaccine, but offers consumers discount options.

Merck is a leading global biopharmaceutical company known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, has been inventing for life, bringing forward medicines and vaccines for many of the world’s most challenging diseases.

HPV Cancer Vaccine news published by Vax Before Cancer