Serum’s HPV vaccine non-inferior to Gardasil: study

Subject: Science and tech

Section: Health

Context:

Phase-2/3 trial of Serum Institute of India’s human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine Cervavac conducted at 12 tertiary care hospitals across India in girls and boys aged 9-14 years has found the vaccine to be safe and non-inferior to a comparator vaccine Gardacil manufactured by Merck.

What is CERVAVAC?

It is India’s first indigenously developed quadrivalent human papillomavirus (qHPV) vaccine that is said to be effective against four strains of the virus – Type 6, Type 11, Type 16 and Type 18.
A quadrivalent vaccine is a vaccine that works by stimulating an immune response against four different antigens, such as four different viruses or other microorganisms.
CERVAVAC is based on VLP (Virus-Like Particles), similar to the Hepatitis B vaccination.

Approval:

The vaccine has received the Drugs Controller GeneraI of India’s approval and has been cleared by the government advisory panel NTAGI for use in the public health programme.

Significance:

It has a significant potential to eliminate cervical cancer and it would be helpful if included in national HPV vaccination efforts and offered at a lower cost than existing vaccinations.
The vaccine is extremely effective only when it’s administered before the first sexual intercourse.

What is Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer develops in a woman’s cervix. It is the 4th most common type of cancer among women, globally and 2nd most common among women in India.
India contributes the largest share of the global cervical cancer burden; nearly 1 in every 4 deaths globally due to cervical cancer (as per The Lancet study).
Almost all cervical cancer cases (99%) are linked to infection with high-risk HPV, an extremely common virus transmitted through sexual contact.
Effective primary (HPV vaccination) and secondary prevention approaches (screening for and treating precancerous lesions) will prevent most cervical cancer cases.
When diagnosed, cervical cancer is one of the most successfully treatable forms of cancer, as long as it is detected early and managed effectively.
Cancers diagnosed in late stages can also be controlled with appropriate treatment and palliative care.
With a comprehensive approach to prevent, screen and treat, cervical cancer can be eliminated as a public health problem within a generation.