China Begins HPV Vaccination for Men, Expanding Protection Against HPV-Related Diseases

China Administers First HPV Vaccine to Man on Mainland

China has taken a significant step in its fight against HPV-related diseases by administering the first dose of a human papillomavirus vaccine to a man on the Chinese mainland. The recipient, located in Changsha, Hunan province, became the first male to receive the vaccine after its approval for additional indications by the National Medical Products Administration.

Previously, the HPV vaccine was only approved for use in women in China. However, the new approval extends its use to males aged 9 to 26 for the prevention of diseases caused by HPV types 16 and 18, such as anal cancer, and genital warts caused by HPV types 6 and 11.

This marks a crucial development in China's efforts to combat HPV, which is recognized as a major public health issue. HPV not only causes cervical cancer in women but can also lead to various malignant tumors in men. Vaccination of men is considered essential for comprehensive HPV prevention, as relying solely on vaccination of women provides insufficient cross-protection.

The expanded approval of the HPV vaccine for men opens up new opportunities for Merck, the pharmaceutical giant behind the vaccine. The company expressed optimism about tapping into this new market and contributing to the protection of Chinese men from HPV-related cancers and diseases.

China's increasing efforts to expand its opening-up in the medical field have attracted global pharmaceutical companies like Merck. This move is expected to further enhance access to innovative medical solutions and improve healthcare outcomes for the Chinese population.