Serum Institute Launches India's First HPV Vaccine

The first made-in-India HPV vaccine was launched by Serum Institute India (SII) on the occasion of India's national girl child day and cervical cancer awareness month. The event was attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SII, Adar Poonawalla, was also present at the event. The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) had granted market authorization to the Serum Institute of India (SII) to manufacture an indigenously-developed vaccine against cervical cancer earlier.

Why HPV Vaccine is Important for Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer is the fourth most prevalent cancer among women worldwide, and in India, it is the second most common cancer among women. It is caused by chronic infection with human papillomavirus (HPV), which is a sexually transmitted virus.

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the cells of the cervix — the lowermost part of the uterus. One can prevent getting this virus by taking the vaccination. If the vaccine is given to girls before sexual exposure between 9 and 14 years, it is more than 99% effective in preventing cervical cancer.

The vaccine also protects against genital warts and some other cancers like anal, vulval vaginal, penile, and oropharyngeal cancers as well some cancers of the head and neck.

Trials have shown that HPV vaccines are nearly 100% effective in preventing cervical cancers caused by the highest HPV viruses. These vaccines also protect against vulvar and vaginal cancers (1^✔ ✔Trusted Source
HPV vaccination in south Asia: new progress, old challenges

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Already there are two types of vaccines that are available for cervical cancer - Cervarix, Gardasil in India. But now HPV vaccine made in India will be available.

About India's New Cervical Cancer Vaccine

India’s first indigenously developed quadrivalent Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine, CERVAVAC, has demonstrated a robust antibody response that is nearly 1,000 times higher than the baseline response against all targeted HPV types and in all dose and age groups (2^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Millions to benefit from Indian-made cervical cancer vaccine

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This Indian vaccine is going to be a game changer to bring down the incidence of cervical cancer because of its much lower cost. These vaccines can only protect against HPV infection. They cannot treat an HPV infection on the cervix that is already present.

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That is why cervical cancer vaccines should be given before a woman is exposed to HPV or before the onset of sexual activity. Therefore, Two doses spaced at 6 months are enough in the 9-14 year age group, whereas a three-dose regimen (0, 1-2, 6 months) is recommended in the 15-26 year age group.

It is also important to know that no vaccine can provide complete protection against all cancer-causing HPV viruses. So even after vaccination, routine examinations are important.

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References:

1. HPV vaccination in south Asia: new progress, old challenges - (https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanonc/article/PIIS1470-2045(22)00567-8/fulltext)
2. Millions to benefit from Indian-made cervical cancer vaccine - (https://www.gavi.org/vaccineswork/millions-benefit-indian-made-affordable-cervical-cancer-vaccine)

Source-Medindia