GSK cervical cancer vaccine wins UK tender

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has announced that its cervical cancer vaccine Cervarix has won the tender for the UK national immunisation programme.

The initiative from the Department of Health aims to protect against two types of human papillomavirus (HPV) which together are responsible for around 70 per cent of cervical cancers.

Girls aged 12 to 13 will be vaccinated every year starting from this September, with a catch-up programme for those aged 14 to 18 implemented over the next two to three years.

GSK notes 3,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year in the UK with around 1,000 dying from the condition.

Cervarix is approved in 64 countries across the world.

Eddie Gray, president of European pharmaceuticals at GSK, said: “This is great news for girls and women across the UK and reflects the growing confidence in Cervarix.”

He added that the company is pleased to be working with the Department of Health to reduce the burden of cervical cancer, with the company believing the benefits of this programme will be felt for years to come.

Dawn Primarolo, health minister, said the vaccine could save the lives of 400 women in the UK every year.