The researchers concluded that Cervarix appears highly effective in preventing HPV and ultimately cervical cancer among women aged 15 to 25 years. Only future trials will determine the clinical utility of the already approved cervical cancer prevention vaccine Gardasil® and Cervarix.
Glaxo plans to file marketing applications all around the world, which in some ways should give Merck some concern. Cervarix will compete with Gardasil for the same patients. On the other hand, it should bring some relief to Merck to have two companies promote the virtues of a vaccine than one, given the controversy surrounding the promotion of the vaccine as a means of promoting immoral behavior among young women.
NY Times has an interesting article on how the vaccine development was fraught with difficulties. Makes for an interesting reading.
