The UK-based pharmaceutical giant GSK plc (NYSE: GSK) has announced the official market launch of a two-dose schedule for its bivalent recombinant human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, Cervarix (types 16 and 18), targeting girls aged 9 to 14 in China.
Cervarix’s Approval History and Expansion in China
Cervarix was first approved in China in July 2016 and was among the pioneering HPV vaccines approved to prevent cervical cancer in the country. Initially, Cervarix gained approval for use in the 9 to 25-year-old age group and was later expanded to women up to 45 years of age in May 2018. Both previous indications required three administrations of the vaccine. The latest two-dose indication received approval in China in May 2022, marking a significant step in the vaccination strategy for younger females.
Current HPV Vaccine Market Landscape in China
The current HPV vaccine market in China includes a variety of options such as Merck, Sharp & Dohme’s Gardasil 9 and Gardasil 4, GSK’s Cervarix, Wantai Bio’s Cecolin, and Walvax Bio’s WoHuiZe. Additionally, Recbio’s HPV 9-valent vaccine, REC603, is under clinical development, indicating a growing focus on HPV vaccination and prevention in the country.-Fineline Info & Tech
