Research & Development

Merck announces plans for HPV vaccines trials

Merck, known as MSD outside of the US and Canada, has announced that it is planning to initiate clinical development of a new investigational multivalent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, as well as assessing a single-dose regimen of Gardasil 9 compared to its approved three-dose regimen.
The new vaccine is designed to provide a wider protection against multiple types of HPV.
Gardasil 9 is indicated for use in male patients, to prevent cancers caused by HPV types 16, 18, 31,
33, 45, 52 and 58; anal precancerous or dysplastic lesions caused by HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58; and genital warts caused by HPV types 6 and 11.
The existing Gardasil 9 vaccine is indicated for use in female patients from the age of nine to 45, for the prevention of cervical, vulvar, vaginal, anal, oropharyngeal and other head and neck cancers caused by HPV types 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58; cervical, vulvar and anal precancerous or dysplastic lesions caused by HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58; as well as genital warts caused by HPV types 6 and 11.
Dr Eliav Barr, senior vice president, head of global clinical development and chief medical officer at Merck Research Laboratories, commented: “Evidence continues to emerge showing the importance of Gardasil and Gardasil 9 to public health. These significant investments build upon our leadership and importantly provide the opportunity to further impact the global burden of certain HPV-related cancers and disease.”