FDA Approves Merck's Improved HPV Vax

Dec. 11, 2014

Merck & Co. has received FDA approval for Gardasil 9, a new vaccine that provides broader protection than Merck's previously approved Gardasil against HPV-related cancers.

Covering nine HPV types, five more HPV types than Merck's Gardasil, Gardasil 9 has the potential to prevent approximately 90 percent of cervical, vulvar, vaginal and anal cancers.

Analysts predict the new vaccine could bring Merck as much as $1.9 billion a year, but much of its market share will come at Gardasil's expense.

Read the FDA press release