GSK reports ‘excellent protection’ provided by Cervarix

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has announced the results of an interim analysis of a phase III clinical study which shows that the company’s cervical cancer candidate Cervarix provides “excellent” protection against the contraction of advanced precancerous lesions caused by the most common human papillomavirus types.

The study results show that Cervarix provides up to 100 per cent protection against lesions caused by types 16 and 18 of the human papillomavirus, with this data strengthening earlier evidence regarding the efficacy of the vaccine.

David Stouth, president of pharmaceutical operations at the firm, said that these study results confirmed earlier findings, with the company contending that the vaccine provides complete protection against precancerous lesions caused by human papillomavirus types 16 and 18.

He added that these virus types are indicated in the contraction of 70 per cent of all cervical cancers.

Gary Dubin, vice-president of North American clinical development at GSK, commented: “This landmark trial has provided important new insights into the natural history of cervical lesions and helps us to more clearly understand the causal link between these lesions and the virus types detected within them.”

Earlier this month, GSK announced the results of a phase III clinical trial showing that 18 months after administration with its vaccine candidate, all women up to the age of 55 exhibited antibodies against human papillomavirus types 16 and 18.