HEALTH Cancer vaccine recommended for approval
WASHINGTON (AP) -- A vaccine with the potential to slash worldwide deaths from cervical cancer, the No. 2 cancer killer in women, should be approved for sales in the United States, a federal panel said Thursday.
A Food and Drug Administration advisory committee voted 13-0 to endorse the safety and effectiveness of Merck and Co.'s Gardasil, which blocks viruses that cause cervical cancer. The company said the vaccine could cut worldwide deaths from the disease by two-thirds.
However, the anticipated cost of the vaccine, administered in three shots over six months, is $300 to $500 -- a possible impediment to widespread vaccination campaigns.
The drug protects against the two types of human papillomavirus (HPV) believed responsible for about 70 percent of cervical cancer cases. It also protects against two other virus types that cause 90 percent of genital wart cases. All four virus types are sexually transmitted.
The FDA is not required to follow the recommendations of its outside panels of experts, but usually does. An agency decision is expected by June 8.
HPV is the most common sexually transmitted disease. It affects more than 50 percent of sexually active adults.
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