India's HPV Vaccine Offers Similar Cancer Protection

The Lancet Oncology recently published a Commentary by Hitt Sharma and colleagues reporting findings from a pivotal phase 2/3 human papillomavirus (HPV) prophylactic vaccine trial.

Their article, published on November 7, 2023, showed that two doses of a quadrivalent virus-like particle (VLP) vaccine targeting HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18 (CERVAVAC®; Serum Institute of India) induced non-inferior antibody responses in girls and boys aged 9–14 years compared with a quadrivalent HPV vaccine licensed worldwide and targeting the same HPV types (Gardasil®) given in three doses to women aged 15–26 years, an age group in which strong clinical efficacy has been shown.

The authors also reported no significant differences in adverse events between the vaccines.

It is the first vaccine manufactured in India to receive licensure by the Drugs Controller General of India.

As of November 9, 2023, there are several HPV vaccines licensed globally.

In the U.S., HPV vaccinations for women began in 2006 and for men in 2011. On August 25, 2023, the U.S. CDC reported that in 2022, 76% of people aged 13–17 had received one or more HPV vaccine doses. 

The current U.S. CDC HPV schedule was updated in 2023.