Merck's HPV Vaccine Approved for Men in China

The U.S. pharmaceutical company Merck & Co. announced on Wednesday that its four-valent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine has been approved for use in men aged 9 to 26 by China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA). This marks a significant step in the fight against HPV-related cancers in China.

The vaccine, which protects against four strains of HPV, is the first HPV vaccine approved for males on the Chinese mainland. It was previously authorized for use among females aged 9 to 45 in 2017.

HPV infections are often asymptomatic, but they are linked to a higher risk of cervical cancer among females and penile, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers among males.

Dr. Qiao Youlin, a researcher from the School of Population Medicine and Public Health at Peking Union Medical College, highlighted that the prevalence of HPV infection among men is higher than among women globally. However, less attention has been paid to male infections.

International experts have advocated for the delivery of HPV vaccines to both genders to expand immunization coverage and achieve better herd immunity. The approval of this vaccine for men in China aligns with this global recommendation and is expected to have a significant impact on reducing the burden of HPV-related cancers in the country.