GSK’s cancer vaccine selected for UK immunization program

The program, which aims to protect against the two types of human papillomavirus (HPV) that are responsible for approximately 70% of cervical cancers, will start in September 2008 and will vaccinate girls aged 12 to 13 each year. There will also be a catch up program for girls aged 14 up to 18 years, which will be implemented over the next 2-3 years.

This represents one of the largest HPV national immunization programs in the world to date and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) looks forward to working with more governments around the world to ensure that as many girls and women as possible can benefit from cervical cancer vaccination with Cervarix.

GSK’s cervical cancer vaccine is already approved in 64 countries worldwide. As the first major national tender for which GSK has bid, the UK win marks another important milestone. GSK intends to work with the UK Department of Health to support the successful implementation of the cervical cancer vaccination program.