WHO approves cervical cancer vaccine Cervarix

July 9, 2009

Updated Thu. Jul. 9 2009 8:23 AM ET

The Canadian Press

LONDON -- The World Health Organization has approved a second cervical cancer

vaccine, this one made by GlaxoKline, meaning UN agencies and partners can

now officially buy millions of doses of the vaccine for poor countries

worldwide.

GlaxoKline PLC said in a statement Thursday the approval would help speed

access to Cervarix globally.

WHO had previously approved Gardasil, a competing cervical cancer vaccine made

by Merck & Co. With two cervical cancer vaccines now ready to be bought by donor

agencies, officials estimate that tens of thousands of lives might be saved.

More than 80 per cent of the estimated 280,000 cervical cancer deaths a year

occur in developing countries. In the West, early diagnosis and treatment has

slashed the disease's incidence.

Last year, the global health association GAVI, formerly known as the Global

Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization, prioritized the purchase of cervical

cancer vaccines for the world's 73 poorest countries. GAVI includes UN agencies,

the World Bank and the Bill & Melinda Gates foundation and is a major buyer of

vaccines for the developing world.

" We're very eager to offer women in developing countries these vaccines because

without early screening, they are arguably more vulnerable to cervical cancer, "

said Dan , a GAVI spokesman. said the vaccine's price was essential

to making it available to poor countries.

In the West, the vaccines typically cost about US$360 for a three-shot dose --

which is far too expensive for poor countries, said.

said GAVI is in talks with drugmakers, but that it is still not clear

whether either Merck & Co or GSK might sell their vaccines to donor agencies at

a cheaper price.

Cervarix has not been approved for use in the U.S. or Japan, but is available in

97 other countries. In the U.S., the cervical cancer vaccine market has been

cornered by Gardasil since it was approved in 2006.

The FDA is expected to decide within the next few months whether to approve

Cervarix. Gardasil racked up $426 million in global sales in the most recent

quarter, versus $69 million for Cervarix, which has won more contracts from

government health programs beyond the United States.

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