According to a new study, the first human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine created in China, Cecolin, can provide adult females with complete immunity against two strains of the virus.
About HPV
Skin-to-skin contact is the most common way humans transmit papillomavirus (HPV) to other humans. CDC (The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) ranks HPV as the world’s most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). There are many strains of HPV, at least one hundred, more than forty of which are sexually transmitted and can affect your mouth, throat, and genitalia.
The CDC estimates that nearly 42 million Americans are infected with HPV, and about 14 million new infections occur each year. About 36,000 cancer cases are caused by HPV each year in the United States.
The CDC also reports that approximately 4,000 women die from cervical cancer annually. Although most of these deaths could be prevented if all women were screened regularly, only a small fraction of those who need treatment actually receive it.
HPV Symptoms
In many cases, HPV infection doesn’t result in apparent signs or health issues. According to the CDC, 9 out of 10 HPV infections resolve independently in less than two years. However, since the virus is still present in a person’s body at this time, they could unintentionally spread HPV.
Health complications may arise if the infection doesn’t clear up by itself, such as:
- Genital warts,
- Warts in the throat (known as recurrent respiratory papillomatosis),
- And even cancers of the cervix, anus, and throat.
However, the HPV strains that cause warts differ from those that result in cancer. Therefore, having genital warts brought on by HPV does not mean you will develop cancer too.
Unfortunately, HPV-related cancers frequently do not exhibit symptoms until they are well advanced. However, regular checkups can aid in detecting HPV-related health issues earlier. This can enhance outlook and raise survival chances.
China’s First Self-Developed HPV Vaccine
Xiamen Innovax and Xiamen University jointly developed the Cecolin vaccine. This makes China the third country in the world to have an independent cervical cancer vaccine supply, behind the United States and the United Kingdom. In October 2021, it received World Health Organization prequalification.
The Study
As part of the bivalent vaccine’s Phase 3 clinical trial, a team of Chinese researchers examined data from 66 months of follow-up visits. They discovered that the vaccine’s effectiveness against high-grade genital lesions, which are typical symptoms of cervical cancer, was 100%.
According to the new study, the HPV 16/18 recombinant vaccine produced by E. coli demonstrated 97% efficacy against persistent HPV infections. HPV 16 and 18 cause 70% of all cervical cancers.
In the clinical trial, there were 7,372 healthy women between 18 and 45; 3,689 were in the vaccination group, and 3,683 were in the control group. The study revealed that the incidence of infection in the vaccinated group was much lower than in the control group.
HPV Prevention
Using condoms and engaging in safe intercourse are the most straightforward strategies to avoid HPV. In addition, you should also get regular health screenings, checkups, and Pap smears every three years to prevent HPV-related health issues.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the Gardasil 9 vaccine (human papillomavirus 9-valent vaccine, recombinant; 9vHPV) in 2014. It is recommended for girls and boys aged 11 or older. It is 88% effective in protecting against both external (genital) and internal (cervical) cancers caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). It protects against nine types of HPV: 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58.
Scientists in Mexico’s National Polytechnic Institute developed a treatment in 2019 that they claim can completely cure HPV without side effects.
Conclusion
China has developed the world’s most effective vaccine against HPV, which could save thousands of lives each year. This is a huge step forward in preventing warts and cervical cancer. However, it still needs approval from health authorities such as the FDA before it becomes available to the public. Until then, women should continue to practice safe sex, get regular Pap smears, and receive any available HPV vaccines. For a wider look at which shots already prevent cancer and which ones are coming next, see our overview of upcoming cancer vaccines.
The study was published on August 26, 2022, in the journal Lancet Infectious Diseases.
