GSK to compare cervical-cancer vaccines

PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 18 (UPI) -- GlaxoSmithKline said Thursday it launched a head-to-head U.S. study of its cervical-cancer vaccine Cervarix versus Merck's Gardasil.

"By conducting this study, we hope to further the scientific understanding of the role of strong and sustained immune responses to HPV vaccination for the benefit of all women," said Gary Dubin, GSK's vice president of HPV vaccines.

The phase 3 trial will involve 1,042 women in the United States who will receive either Cervarix or Gardasil. The primary objective is to compare differences in immune responses induced by the vaccines to the two most common cancer-causing strains of human papillomavirus, or HPV.

GSK said results are expected 12 months after enrollment is complete.