Phase III data reveals potential of Merck’s GARDASIL in preventing HPV and HPV-related cancers

Feb 18 2010

Merck & Co., Inc. announced today that in new Phase III data, GARDASIL^® [Human Papillomavirus Quadrivalent (Types 6, 11, 16 and 18) Vaccine, Recombinant] was 77.5 percent (95 percent CI: 39.6, 93.3) efficacious against anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN) associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) types 6, 11, 16 and 18 in 16-to-26 year-old men who have sex with men. The data were presented at the European Research Organization on Genital Infection and Neoplasia (EUROGIN) conference in Monte Carlo, Monaco.

“We are excited to learn more about the potential of GARDASIL to help prevent HPV and HPV-related cancers and diseases in both men and women”

“We are excited to learn more about the potential of GARDASIL to help prevent HPV and HPV-related cancers and diseases in both men and women,” said Richard M. Haupt, M.D., MPH, executive director, Merck Research Laboratories.

GARDASIL is approved in the U.S. for use in girls and young women 9 through 26 years of age for the prevention of cervical, vulvar and vaginal cancers caused by HPV types 16 and 18; genital warts caused by HPV types 6 and 11; and precancerous or dysplastic lesions caused by HPV types 6, 11, 16 and 18. GARDASIL is also approved in the U.S. for use in boys and men ages 9 through 26 years of age for the prevention of genital warts (condylomata acuminata) caused by HPV types 6 and 11.

It is estimated that HPV types 16 and 18 account for 70 percent of cervical and vaginal cancer cases, and up to 50 percent of vulvar cancer cases and 85 percent of anal cancer cases. Types 6 and 11 cause approximately 90 percent of all genital warts cases.

SOURCE Merck & Co., Inc.