The Serum Institute of India (SII), the world's biggest vaccine maker, has developed the country’s first cervical cancer shot, which will be administered via injection in two doses among 9-14 year olds and in three doses for those between 15 and 26.
Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women globally, with an estimated 604 000 new cases and 342 000 deaths in 2020, according to the World Health Organization. About 90% of the new cases and deaths worldwide occurred in low- and middle-income countries that year, reports Reuters.
Two human papillomavirus (HPV) types, 16 and 18, are responsible for at least 70% of cervical cancers, and India’s Department of Biotechnology said its vaccine would work on HPV types 16 and 18, as well as 6 and 11.
“The indigenously developed vaccine will make our country self-sufficient in curbing female mortality caused by cervical cancer,” SII chief executive Adar Poonawalla said.
The vaccine would be on the market within the next few months, first for India and then the world. The company aims to produce about 200m doses in two years.
Reuters article – India develops its first cervical cancer vaccine (Open access)
See more from MedicalBrief archives:
HPV vaccine cuts cervical cancer by nearly 90% — UK population registry study
Single HPV vaccine dose may be effective against cervical cancer
HPV vaccine significantly lowers infection rates in teen girls — CDC study