GlaxoSmithKline receives CHMP backing for two-dose Cervarix

GlaxoSmithKline has announced that a new two-dose schedule for its cervical cancer vaccine Cervarix has been recommended for European regulatory approval.

The European Medicines Agency's Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) has endorsed the use of the drug in the vaccination of nine to 14-year-old girls. The recommendation will be considered by the European Commission as it makes its final decision.

Data from a phase III trial showed that two doses of the vaccine in girls aged nine to fourteen years provided an immunogenicity matching the currently licensed three-dose schedule in 15 to 25-year-olds.

Thomas Breuer, senior vice-president and lead physician at GlaxoSmithKline Vaccines, said: "A two-dose vaccine schedule has the potential to be easier to deliver than a three-dose schedule, thereby expanding the population that could benefit from protection."

This comes after GlaxoSmithKline and partner Theravance received European regulatory approval for Relvar Ellipta – their new therapy for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease – earlier this month.