GSK reports 100 per cent response to Cervarix

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has announced the publication of data from a phase III clinical trial showing a 100 per cent response rate to its cervical cancer vaccine candidate Cervarix.

The company reports that 18 months following administration with the three-dose regimen of the vaccination with the compound, all women up to the age of 55 exhibited antibodies against human papillomavirus types 16 and 18.

Formulated with the AS04 adjuvant system designed to increase the duration of vaccination and boost immune response, women receiving Cervarix showed antibody levels exceeding those caused by natural infection by over ten times.

Professor Tino F Schwarz of Stiftung Juliusspital, said: “Previous natural infection with these cancer-causing human papillomavirus types may not confer lifelong protection.

“Thus, women of all ages may be at risk for future infection.”

He added that with increasing age, it becomes more likely for any infection with these viruses to endure, with the potential development of precancerous lesions as a result, noting that vaccination against these viruses could consequently protect against the development of cervical cancer.

GSK announced the initiation of a trial comparing Cervarix with Gardasil from Merck, Sharp and Dohme in January 2007.