A new study shows that older women may benefit from an expanded use of Gardasil. Currently, the HPV vaccine is FDA approved for use only in women ages 9-26. Data from the Colombian study shows that older women, up to age 45, would definitely benefit from the vaccine.
An important factor in the study was the HPV status of the women who participated. The women, ages 24-45, did not have a medical history of HPV, cervical disease, or genital warts. Regardless of age, women who have been exposed to HPV do not benefit fromt the vaccine. It is only effecive in those who have not been exposed, thus vaccinating girls as young as 9.
The study found Merrck's Gardasil to be 90 percent effective against HPV in women ages 24-45. This data definitely supports Merck's quest to get the use of Gardasil expanded approved by the FDA. Last year, the FDA shot down Merck's application to exapand the use of the vaccine, however Merck claimed it would address issues the FDA had with exapnding the use. Hopefully, the vaccine will soon be available to older women!
An important factor in the study was the HPV status of the women who participated. The women, ages 24-45, did not have a medical history of HPV, cervical disease, or genital warts. Regardless of age, women who have been exposed to HPV do not benefit fromt the vaccine. It is only effecive in those who have not been exposed, thus vaccinating girls as young as 9.
The study found Merrck's Gardasil to be 90 percent effective against HPV in women ages 24-45. This data definitely supports Merck's quest to get the use of Gardasil expanded approved by the FDA. Last year, the FDA shot down Merck's application to exapand the use of the vaccine, however Merck claimed it would address issues the FDA had with exapnding the use. Hopefully, the vaccine will soon be available to older women!
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