Cervarix

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See also: HPV vaccine

Cervarix is an investigational vaccine against certain sexually transmitted human papillomavirus (HPV) types. The vaccine candidate, which, if approved in the United States, will be marketed by GlaxoSmithKline, is designed to prevent infection from HPV types 16 and 18, which cause about 70% of HPV-related cervical cancer cases. Additionally, "substantial" protection against virus strains 45 and 31 were shown in clinical trials.^[1] Cervarix is also formulated with AS04, a proprietary adjuvant that has been found to boost the immune system response for a longer period of time.^[2]

1 Biotechnology
2 Indications
3 Administration
4 References
5 External links

[edit] Biotechnology

Cervarix is created using the L1 protein of the viral capsid. Recombinant activity in a baculovirus vector produces L1 protein spheres, which are very immunogenic. The viral proteins spur neutralizing antibodies. The vaccine contains no live virus and no DNA, so it cannot infect the patient.

[edit] Indications

Cervarix is a preventative HPV vaccine, not therapeutic. This means that a woman who is already infected with HPV will not benefit from this treatment. Therefore, it will likely be recommended that Cervarix is received by girls prior to becoming sexually active. And, like its cousin Gardasil, a successful series of Cervarix shots will still not block infection from other HPV strains that can cause cancer, so it is not a substitute for routine Pap smears.

[edit] Administration

Phase II trials demonstrated 100% effectiveness of the vaccine against types 16 and 18 HPV, including among 1100 women from North America and Brazil.^[3] Phase III trials included over 660 women from Germany and Poland. Company officials are now conducting a clinical trial to determine whether Cervarix is more effective than rival Merck's HPV vaccine Gardasil.^[4]

Longevity of the vaccination has proven so far to be at least 4.5 years. In the clinical trials, women were given three doses over a six-month span -- at 0 month, 1 month, and 6 months. The technology used in this vaccine was licensed from the University of Rochester.^[5]