Glaxo says Cervarix shows effect for over 6 years

March 10, 2008

LONDON (Reuters) - GlaxoSmithKline Plc said on Monday its human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine Cervarix provided significant protection for women against the four most common oncogenic HPV types for 6.4 years, the longest duration of protection reported to date.

Data at the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists annual meeting in Tampa, Florida, showed the vaccine was 100% effective in preventing precancerous lesions due to virus types 16 and 18. It also provided substantial protection against infection caused by types 31 and 45.

Europe's biggest drugmaker plans to give additional data focusing on neutralising antibodies in the coming months.

Cervarix, which is marketed in Europe but is still awaiting approval in the United States, is a competitor to Merck & Co Inc's successful product Gardasil.

Both vaccines are designed to be given to girls and young women to protect against cancer-causing strains of HPV.