Sanofi Pasteur MSD receives EU approval for Gardasil 9

Sanofi Pasteur MSD has announced that its new nine-valent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine has been approved by the European Commission.

The vaccine is indicated for active immunisation of females and males from the age of nine years against premalignant lesions and cancers affecting the cervix, vulva, vagina or anus, and also against genital warts.

It provides coverage against more HPV types than any currently available vaccine, with the seven highest-risk HPV types included causing approximately 90 percent of cervical cancer cases, 90 percent of instances of HPV-related anal cancer and 80 percent of high-grade cervical lesions worldwide.

Gardasil 9 has shown its safety and efficacy in seven trials evaluating more than 15,000 individuals across 30 countries.

Dr Jean-Paul Kress, president of Sanofi Pasteur MSD, said: "We are delighted to receive European Commission approval for this important vaccine, which provides an extraordinary opportunity to further prevent cancer in women and men throughout Europe."