Gardasil shows long-lasting efficacy

European vaccines specialist Sanofi Pasteur MSD, a joint venture between France's Sanofi Pasteur and US drugmaker Merck & Co, says that new data published in the medical journal Vaccine indicates that the cervical cancer vaccine Gardasil (quadrivalent human papilloma virus [types 6, 11, 16, 18]) has long-lasting efficacy. The study showed that women who had received the vaccine five years previously demonstrated a robust immune response when exposed to the viral stains.

The firm explained that exposure to "natural" viruses was simulated using a challenge dose of Gardasil, and that this resulted in the rapid production of neutralizing antibodies in women participating in the trial. In addition, such a response was seen regardless of antibody levels at the start of the assessment.

Publication of the findings follows a recommendation from the UK's Department of Health that the drug be provided routinely to girls around aged 12 to 13. However, even though the product has been approved in terms of safety and efficacy, a final decision by the National Health Service is not expected this year (Marketletter March 19).