FDA Approves New Cervical Cancer Vaccine

GlaxoSmithKline is a British drug company that also makes a drug called Cervarix. It is used for treating cervical cancer. Cervarix is actually a vaccine that helps to prevent cervical cancer in women. This particular drug has been in the market since 2006 and its only competitor is Gardasil. Cervarix has been approved in nearly 100 countries now. However, the release of this drug was been delayed in the United States since the year 2007. One of the main reasons was for the lack of evidence of its effectiveness. Also, the Food and Drug Administration of the United States has requested the concerned officials of the company to provide more information on the creditability of the drug.

Apparently one in every four women in the United States suffers from cervical cancer. It is a very high number compared to the general population. Cervical cancer happens to be the most common type of cancer in women. There are several types of HPV and among them, nearly 15 of kinds are known to cause cancer. Cervarix effectiveness against these viruses is still to be established. Also, it has not been proven as yet whether Cervarix fights the cancer strain. In addition, research that supports the effectiveness of the drug is completely nil because there is no confirmed proof that women who have taken the vaccine have prevented onset of cervical cancer. Another concern is the pricing for the vaccine and Glaxo has not clearly indicated or discussed the pricing in the markets. The success of the vaccine completely depends on these factors.

However, now the FDA has approved the vaccine, and many hope that the vaccine will be able to help many women who would otherwise contract cervical cancer.