Authorized vaccines in Europe

The first vaccine for the prevention of HPV-related disease was licensed in 2006. Currently 6 prophylactic HPV vaccines are licensed. All are intended to be administered, if possible, before the onset of sexual activity, i.e. before exposure to HPV [1].

All vaccines are prepared, using recombinant DNA and cell-culture technology, from the purified L1 structural protein, which self-assembles to form HPV type-specific empty shells, termed virus-like particles (VLPs). HPV vaccines do not contain live biological products or viral DNA and are therefore non-infectious. HPV vaccines use different expression systems, contain adjuvants and do not contain antibiotics or preservative agents [2].

All HPV vaccines contain VLPs against high-risk HPV types 16 and 18; the nonavalent vaccine also contains VLPs against high-risk HPV types 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58. The quadrivalent and nonavalent vaccines contain VLPs to protect against anogenital warts causally related to HPV types 6 and 11 [4].

All HPV vaccines are indicated for use in females aged 9 years or older and are licensed for use up to 26 or 45 years of age. Some HPV vaccines are also licensed for use in males. All HPV vaccines are indicated for the prevention of cervical premalignant lesions and cancers caused by high-risk HPV types, which vary by vaccine product. As per their product labels, selected vaccines have indications against another HPV-related disease. HPV vaccines are available as a prefilled syringe or in single or 2-dose vials [3].

There are three HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccines that have been approved for use in Europe:

Gardasil: This vaccine is manufactured by Merck and is approved for use in individuals aged 9 to 45 years. It provides protection against HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18 [5].
Cervarix: This vaccine is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline and is approved for use in individuals aged 9 to 25 years. It provides protection against HPV types 16 and 18.
Gardasil 9: This vaccine is also manufactured by Merck and is approved for use in individuals aged 9 to 45 years. It provides protection against HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58. Gardasil 9 is licensed for girls and boys aged 9–14 years as a 2-dose schedule (5–13 months apart). From age 15, a 3-dose schedule should be followed (at 0, 1–2 and 4-6 months) [4].

All three vaccines are highly effective at preventing HPV infections and related diseases, such as genital warts and certain cancers.

References

Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.