Results support evidence that vaccine is effective

MEDIA RELEASE

18 May 2009

New results further support the evidence that GARDASIL vaccine provides long-lasting protection

New results from an extended follow-up study further support the evidence that GARDASIL®, the four-type (6, 11,  16, 18) human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, offers women long-term protection against developing pre-cancerous abnormalities or cervical cancer.

These results were recently presented at the 25th International Papillomavirus Conference in Sweden last week.

The evidence from an ongoing study looking at the HPV 16 “Proof of Principle” (phase II) vaccine for Gardasil found that on average 8.5 years and up to 9.5 years after vaccination there was no HPV 16 related pre-cancers in the vaccine group1. 

“While this study was a preliminary study, and was not powered to produce a result that is statistically significant, the results show a positive trend and add to the body of evidence that Gardasil is likely to provide long-lasting protection” says Mike Taylor, Country Manager for CSL Biotherapies in New Zealand.

Further to this study there continues to be an ongoing follow-up study of a large cohort of women vaccinated with Gardasil in the Phase III clinical programme. Data from the Phase III clinical programme, in due course, will provide even more information on the long-term protection of Gardasil.

In addition, the vaccine has demonstrated immune memory which is a hallmark of long-term protection.

“Immune memory means that the body has stored the memory of the vaccine HPV types so if a woman is exposed to an infection the body will automatically produce antibodies to prevent the infection.” says Professor Ron Jones, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Auckland Hospital.  

 “The new data about long term protection, together with the demonstration of immune memory means that New Zealanders’ can be confident that GARDASIL offers long term protection against the development of pre cancers and cancers related to the HPV types in the vaccine.” says Prof Jones.

In addition to sustained cervical pre-cancer and cancer protection, Gardasil protects against vulvar and vaginal pre-cancers and cancers as well as genital warts caused by HPV types 6, 11, 16 and 18. These four types together cause the vast majority of HPV-related genital diseases.

 In New Zealand Gardasil is currently funded for girls born after 1 January 1990 and up to school year 8. The Government HPV vaccination programme is being rolled out through a combination of primary care and schools. Gardasil is indicated in girls and young up to the age of 26 years.

ENDS

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