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WHO DISCUSSES CERVICAL CANCER VACCINATION

February 8, 2007

The Geneva-based World Health Organization (WHO) has published a paper on Merck's human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine Gardasil, saying that "countries face tough decisions before making the vaccine widely available."

Gardasil was first approved by the FDA in June 2006 and by European authorities in September. The vaccine is now approved in 49 countries. WHO has been developing guidelines that countries can use as a basis for their HPV vaccination policies. This year the agency plans to hold regional meetings to discuss the topic.

Although it has the potential to reduce cervical cancer deaths, the vaccine "is no magic bullet." Countries need to consider how to include the vaccine in cervical cancer prevention programs, who should get the vaccine and how to fund it.

"Such decisions may be easier for developed countries, which have data on HPV and cervical cancer prevalence, existing vaccination programmes and ample clinical trial data on the HPV vaccine itself, while developing countries may not have a complete set of epidemiological data or a mechanism to deliver the vaccine," WHO said.

Even by developed-country standards Gardasil is expensive, costing nearly $300 for a three-dose vaccination in the U.S. Merck says the vaccine would be cost-effective in developed countries, and that it is working with international organizations to make it available in the developing world.

The vaccine is also on the WHO prequalification list, which could make it more easily available in developing countries.