This is claimed to be the longest duration of sustained neutralizing antibody levels observed against both virus types 16 and 18 with a cervical cancer vaccine to date. In addition, the study found that the level of total antibodies induced by the candidate vaccine was sustained and 11 times higher than the total antibody levels induced after natural infection for up to 6.4 years.
Philippe Monteyne, senior vice president, GSK Biologicals, said: “With nearly six and a half years of data, the vaccine has already been shown to provide the longest duration of protection of any cervical cancer vaccine to date. The high and sustained neutralizing antibody levels we observe over this same period give us confidence that the vaccine will continue to protect for even longer. This is why we are extending the study follow-up in a sub-set of women for up to 9.5 years, the longest follow-up period for any cervical cancer vaccine.”