Another HPV Vaccine Prequalified for Single-dose Use

Earlier in 2024, countries and partners committed nearly $600 million in new funding towards elimination of cervical cancer. About 95% of the 660,000 cervical cancer cases occurring globally each year are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).

To expand access to HPV vaccines, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that a fourth WHO-prequalified vaccine, Cecolin®, has been confirmed for use in a single-dose schedule.

A growing number of HPV vaccine products initially prequalified for use in a 2-dose schedule can now be used in a single-dose schedule. 

“Unlike most other cancers, we can eliminate cervical cancer, along with its painful inequities,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, in a press release on October 4, 2024.

“By adding another option for a one-dose HPV vaccination schedule, we have taken another step closer to consigning cervical cancer to history.”

The WHO also confirmed an additional HPV vaccine, Walrinvax®, is now the fifth product available on the global market. Walrinvax® is prequalified with a two-dose schedule. Further data will be needed to assess if this vaccine can be recommended for single-dose schedules in the future, says the WHO.