GlaxoSmithKline submits Cervarix for EU marketing approval

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has submitted its human papillomavirus (HPV)vaccine Cervarix to the European medicines agency, the EMEA.

Cervarix is designed to build the body’s defences against two specific forms of HPV, types 16 and 18. The strains cause 70 per cent of all cervical cancer cases. GSK’s compound uses an atropine sulfate (ASO4) instead of aluminium salt alone, which the firm said was found to have a stronger anti-body affect.

In trials the vaccine was found to prevent 100 per cent of HPV 16/18 infections and associated precancerous lesions. It was also found to give wider protection against other forms of HPV.

Cancer Research UK clinical consultant Dr Anne Szarewski said she was very excited by the vaccine’s prospects: “In my opinion, HPV vaccination will significantly reduce not only the health burden caused by cervical cancer, but also the anxiety suffered by women around Pap smears and particularly around abnormal results.

“It has the potential to revolutionize women’s health.”

Cervical cancer causes the deaths of 1,000 British women every year. It is caused by persistent HPV infection, spread through close sexual contact.

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