Med News Today

Cervical Cancer Vaccine Endorsed

WASHINGTON - A drug company hopes to win federal approval early next month for a novel cervical cancer vaccine that it touts as the next biggest thing since the pap test in fighting the No. 2 cancer in women.

Merck & Co. already has won a key endorsement of the vaccine, called Gardasil, from a
Food and Drug Administration advisory committee. A final decision by the FDA is expected by June 8.

The vaccine, administered in three shots over six months at a cost of $300 to $500, protects against the two types of human papillomavirus (HPV) believed responsible for about 70 percent of cervical cancer cases.

If Gardasil ultimately wins approval, it could prove a boon to public health, though the cost could hinder

posted by nattietodd @ 9:25 AM