In a significant stride towards global cervical cancer elimination efforts, a groundbreaking study published in The Lancet Oncology unveils promising results for a new quadrivalent HPV vaccine developed by the Serum Institute of India (SII), headquartered in Pune. The vaccine, named 'Cervavac,' has emerged as a beacon of hope in the battle against cervical cancer and other HPV-associated cancers.
The study, conducted among 9 to 15-year-old girls and boys, has shown that Cervavac is both safe and immunogenic, eliciting a robust immune response comparable to Merck’s widely used Gardasil vaccine. Immunogenicity, a crucial measure of a vaccine's effectiveness in triggering an immune response, has been a key focus of this research.
Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in India, contributing significantly to the global burden of the disease. Annually, approximately 1.23 lakh new cases and around 77,000 deaths are reported in India due to cervical cancer. HPV, particularly types 16 and 18, is a major driver of cervical cancer cases worldwide.
What sets Cervavac apart is its inclusivity, targeting not only females but also males aged 9–26 years. This is a groundbreaking step as boys are also vulnerable to various HPV-associated cancers, making this vaccine crucial in preventing diseases such as anal cancer, penile cancer, HPV-related head and neck cancer, and genital warts.
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The Serum Institute of India’s HPV vaccine study has emphasized the pivotal role of HPV vaccination in adolescent girls and boys, coupled with cervical cancer screening for adult women using HPV tests, to curb the alarming statistics. Dr. Smita Joshi, Principal Investigator for Serum Institute of India’s HPV vaccine study, highlighted the urgency of these interventions, emphasizing that cervical cancer claims a woman's life in India every 8 minutes.
A significant hurdle in the fight against cervical cancer has been the affordability and accessibility of HPV vaccines. However, with the introduction of Cervavac, the scenario is poised to change. SII plans to roll out 'Cervavac' across 7 states in India early in 2024, making it an integral part of the national program. The cost-effectiveness of Cervavac is especially noteworthy; it will be provided to the government program at subsidized rates (Rs 200-400/-) and is priced at about 1400-1600/- per dose for private practitioners. In contrast, Gardasil, the existing vaccine, costs Rs 3500/- per dose.
This development represents a significant leap towards global cervical cancer prevention efforts, offering hope to millions of individuals at risk and underscoring the importance of accessible and affordable vaccines in the fight against HPV-associated cancers.
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