Merck Announces Plans to Conduct Clinical Trials of a Novel Investigational Multi-Valent Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine and Single-Dose Regimen for GARDASIL®9
- Merck (MRK) is investing in the development of a new investigational multi-valent HPV vaccine to provide broader protection against multiple HPV types.
- The company plans to conduct clinical trials to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a single-dose regimen of GARDASIL 9 compared to the approved three-dose regimen.
- Merck (MRK) is addressing the increasing global demand for HPV vaccines by expanding manufacturing capacity to meet anticipated demand for 2025 and beyond.
- The company is investing in research to identify new candidates with the potential to extend protection against a broader array of HPV types, particularly in African and Asian populations.
- Merck (MRK) is responding to scientific calls for more clinical data on alternative dosing regimens for GARDASIL 9 by planning two prospective clinical trials to assess the potential efficacy and durability of a single dose.
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Insights
Merck's announcement regarding the development of a new investigational multi-valent HPV vaccine and the exploration of a single-dose regimen for GARDASIL®9 is a significant stride in the field of immunization and public health. The expanded protection against multiple HPV types, especially those with higher prevalence in African and Asian populations, could potentially lead to a reduction in HPV-related diseases globally. This is particularly relevant as HPV is known to cause various cancers and genital warts. The move to a single-dose regimen, if proven effective, could simplify vaccination protocols and improve compliance rates, potentially increasing vaccine coverage.
From a medical research perspective, the initiation of Phase 1 studies for the new vaccine candidate and the prospective clinical trials for the single-dose regimen will be closely monitored. The outcome of these studies will provide valuable data on the efficacy, safety and immunogenicity of these interventions. A successful single-dose regimen could also significantly reduce healthcare costs and logistical barriers associated with multiple-dose schedules. However, it is crucial that these studies are rigorous and that the vaccines provide long-term protection to maintain herd immunity.
The investments made by Merck in the clinical development of a new HPV vaccine and the assessment of a single-dose regimen could have far-reaching economic implications. The reduction of a three-dose to a single-dose regimen, if effective, could lower vaccination program costs for governments and healthcare payers, thus enabling wider access to the vaccine, especially in low-resource settings. Additionally, broader protection against HPV could decrease the incidence of HPV-related cancers, leading to long-term savings in cancer treatment and care.
Merck's considerable expansion of its manufacturing capacity to meet the global demand for HPV vaccines is another critical economic factor. By ensuring an adequate supply of vaccines, Merck positions itself to meet current and future market demands, which could positively affect its market share and financial performance. However, the success of these initiatives will depend on regulatory approvals and market acceptance of the new vaccine formulations and dosing regimens.
The strategic move by Merck to innovate within its HPV vaccine portfolio by developing a new vaccine and testing a single-dose regimen of GARDASIL®9 aligns with the increasing global awareness and demand for effective vaccination programs. The market for HPV vaccines is competitive and Merck's commitment to research and development could enhance its competitive edge and reputation as a leader in the vaccine market.
It is essential to consider the potential market reactions to these developments. Positive clinical trial results could lead to increased investor confidence and potentially drive up Merck's stock value. On the other hand, any setbacks in clinical trials or regulatory processes could have an adverse effect on market perception and stock performance. Stakeholders will be interested in the progress of the clinical trials, regulatory outcomes and the ability of Merck to scale up production to meet the projected demands for 2025 and beyond.
Company reaffirms commitment to reduce the global burden of HPV-related diseases, including certain cancers
“Evidence continues to emerge showing the importance of GARDASIL and GARDASIL 9 to public health,” said Dr. Eliav Barr, senior vice president, head of global clinical development and chief medical officer, Merck Research Laboratories. “These significant investments build upon our leadership and importantly provide the opportunity to further impact the global burden of certain HPV-related cancers and disease.”
In the
Multivalent HPV vaccine research
Merck vaccine researchers continue to build on the development of GARDASIL and GARDASIL 9 to identify new candidates with the potential to extend protection against a broader array of HPV types. The latest addition to the pipeline employs the company’s proprietary virus-like particle (VLP) technology to incorporate additional VLPs for expanded HPV type coverage. This includes several types known to have more impact in African and Asian populations and individuals of African and Asian descent. First-in-human studies (Phase 1) are scheduled to start in the fourth quarter of 2024.
Assessing the potential efficacy and durability of a single dose regimen of GARDASIL 9
In response to calls from scientific leaders for more clinical data concerning alternative dosing regimens for GARDASIL 9, Merck, pending regulatory input, plans to conduct two prospective clinical trials, one in females (16-26 years old) and one in males (ages 16-26 years old). These randomized, double-blind, multi-year clinical trials will examine the short and long-term efficacy and immunogenicity of a single-dose of GARDASIL 9 versus the currently approved three-dose regimen. The goal of these large, randomized trials is to generate data that clearly determines whether or not a single dose of GARDASIL 9 provides comparable long-term protection to the approved three-dose regimen, while also satisfying the high standards required by regulatory authorities. The clinical trials are anticipated to start enrolling participants in the fourth quarter of 2024.
HPV vaccine supply
To address the increasing global demand for GARDASIL and GARDASIL 9 and support broader and equitable access, Merck has made significant investments in manufacturing to help increase supply. Starting in 2019, the company committed to expand manufacturing capacity by increasing production at existing plants as well as constructing new facilities. Between 2017 and 2020 this resulted in a near doubling of supply which has subsequently been doubled again between 2020 and 2024. Merck expects to supply sufficient quantities of HPV vaccines to meet anticipated demand for 2025 and will continue to expand our supply capacity in the future.
Indication for GARDASIL and GARDASIL 9
GARDASIL 9 is a vaccine indicated in females 9 through 45 years of age. GARDASIL is a vaccine indicated in females 9 through 26 years of age. GARDASIL 9 is indicated for the prevention of cervical, vulvar, vaginal, anal, oropharyngeal and other head and neck cancers caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) Types 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58; and precancerous or dysplastic lesions caused by HPV Types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58. GARDASIL is indicated for the prevention of cervical, vulvar, vaginal, and anal cancers caused by HPV Types 16 and 18, and precancerous or dysplastic lesions caused by HPV Types 6, 11, 16, and 18. Both are indicated for the prevention of genital warts caused by HPV Types 6 and 11.
GARDASIL 9 is indicated in males 9 through 45 years of age. GARDASIL is indicated in males 9 through 26 years of age. GARDASIL 9 is indicated for the prevention of anal, oropharyngeal and other head and neck cancers caused by HPV Types 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58; and precancerous or dysplastic lesions caused by HPV Types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58. GARDASIL is indicated for the prevention of anal cancer caused by HPV Types 16 and 18, and precancerous or dysplastic lesions caused by HPV Types 6, 11, 16, and 18. Both are indicated for the prevention of genital warts caused by HPV Types 6 and 11.
The GARDASIL 9 oropharyngeal and head and neck cancer indication is approved under accelerated approval based on effectiveness in preventing HPV-related anogenital disease. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial.
Indication - Limitations of Use
GARDASIL 9 and GARDASIL do not eliminate the necessity for vaccine recipients to undergo screening for cervical, vulvar, vaginal, anal, oropharyngeal and other head and neck cancers as recommended by a health care provider.
GARDASIL 9 and GARDASIL have not been demonstrated to provide protection against diseases caused by:
- HPV types not covered by the vaccine
- HPV types to which a person has previously been exposed through sexual activity
Not all vulvar, vaginal, anal, oropharyngeal and other head and neck cancers are caused by HPV, and GARDASIL 9 and GARDASIL protect only against those vulvar, vaginal, anal, oropharyngeal and other head and neck cancers caused by HPV types contained in the vaccines.
GARDASIL 9 and GARDASIL are not a treatment for external genital lesions; cervical, vulvar, vaginal, anal, oropharyngeal and other head and neck cancers; or cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN), vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia (VaIN), or anal intraepithelial neoplasia (
Vaccination with GARDASIL 9 or GARDASIL may not result in protection in all vaccine recipients.
Select Safety Information
GARDASIL 9 and GARDASIL are contraindicated in individuals with hypersensitivity, including severe allergic reactions to yeast, or after a previous dose of GARDASIL 9 or GARDASIL.
Because vaccinees may develop syncope, sometimes resulting in falling with injury, observation for 15 minutes after administration is recommended. Syncope, sometimes associated with tonic-clonic movements and other seizure-like activity, has been reported following HPV vaccination. When syncope is associated with tonic-clonic movements, the activity is usually transient and typically responds to restoring cerebral perfusion.
Safety and effectiveness of GARDASIL 9 and GARDASIL have not been established in pregnant women.
For GARDASIL 9, the most common (≥
The duration of immunity for a 2-dose regimen of GARDASIL 9 is unknown.
Dosage and Administration
Administer either GARDASIL 9 or GARDASIL intramuscularly in the deltoid or anterolateral area of the thigh.
For GARDASIL 9, a complete vaccination regimen consists of:
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For individuals 9 through 14 years of age, GARDASIL 9 can be administered using a 2-dose or 3-dose schedule. For the 2-dose schedule, the second dose should be administered 6–12 months after the first dose. If the second dose is administered less than 5 months after the first dose, a third dose should be given at least 4 months after the second dose. For the 3-dose schedule, GARDASIL 9 should be administered at 0, 2 months, and 6 months.
- For individuals 15 through 45 years of age, GARDASIL 9 is administered using a 3-dose schedule at 0, 2 months, and 6 months.
For GARDASIL, complete vaccination regimen for individuals aged 9 through 26 years of age consists of 3 doses at the following schedule: 0, 2 months, 6 months.
About Merck
At Merck, known as MSD outside of
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Risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to, general industry conditions and competition; general economic factors, including interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; the impact of pharmaceutical industry regulation and health care legislation in
The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and the company’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) available at the SEC’s Internet site (www.sec.gov).
Please see Prescribing Information for GARDASIL 9 (Human Papillomavirus 9-valent Vaccine, Recombinant) at https://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/g/gardasil_9/gardasil_9_pi.pdf and Patient Information/Medication Guide for GARDASIL 9 at https://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/g/gardasil_9/gardasil_9_ppi.pdf
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FAQ
What is Merck's (MRK) new investigational multi-valent HPV vaccine designed for?
What are the plans of Merck (MRK) regarding GARDASIL 9?
How is Merck (MRK) addressing the increasing global demand for HPV vaccines?
Why is Merck (MRK) investing in research for new candidates for HPV vaccines?
How is Merck (MRK) responding to scientific calls for more clinical data on alternative dosing regimens for GARDASIL 9?
