China approves first domestically produced high-valent HPV vaccine

China has approved the first domestically developed 9-valent vaccine (based on the number of types of pathogens it protects against) against human papillomavirus (HPV). The drug has been included in the official list published by the National Medical Products Administration. This is reported by Xinhua News Agency, a partner of TV BRICS.

It is noted that China has become the second country in the world capable of independently producing a high-valent HPV vaccine.

According to Zhang Jun, Dean of the School of Public Health at Xiamen University and a leading member of the vaccine development team, the vaccine will expand access to immunisation and help reduce the risk of cervical cancer.

The development of the drug took 18 years. During this time, scientists managed to overcome serious technical difficulties. Since 2019, five major studies have been conducted, confirming that the vaccine is safe and elicits a strong immune response.

According to the WHO, approximately 700,000 cases of HPV-related cancer are registered worldwide each year, of which approximately 530,000 are cervical cancer. The vaccine reduces the risk of infection by 94 per cent.

Earlier, TV BRICS' partner Mehr News Agency reported that Iran will introduce a cancer vaccine this summer. It was developed at the Iran’s National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology. This is an important step that shows Iran's desire to develop its pharmaceutical technologies and make treatment more accessible to people.

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