International HPV Awareness Day

On International HPV Awareness Day, we highlight how important vaccines are in preventing cancers related to Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), including cervical cancer.  

However, despite the benefits of HPV vaccines, uptake is limited in many countries. For instance, skin vaccination provides a dose-sparing alternative to intramuscular vaccination. VAX-ID, offers a promising solution for reliable, user-independent, and painless intradermal vaccination. 

Quick facts about HPV and HPV vaccines

1. Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection is the most frequent Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI)  
2. HPV16 and HPV18 are responsible for 70% of cervical cancer cases. 
3. Every 90 seconds a woman dies of cervical cancer.  
4. HPV infections can also cause cancer in men too.
5. However, HPV vaccine uptake is unevenly distributed across the world Reasons for the lower uptake of HPV vaccination in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMIC) include financial and human resource constraints as well as worldwide shortage of vaccine supply. 
6. Prophylactic HPV vaccines work on inducing neutralizing antibodies. Therapeutic HPV vaccines aim at generating cell-mediated immunity 
7. Additionally, a recent study published in The Lancet, showed that no cases of cervical cancer have been detected in Scotland in anyone who received the #HPV vaccine when they were 12 or 13 years.
8. Furthermore, the WHO launched a global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer. Important 90-70-90 targets must be met by 2030.

New insights into the potential of skin vaccination against HPV

IDEVAX’s VAX-ID which is suited for standardized, accurate and reliable intradermal drug delivery, and could offer a safe and user-friendly approach for prevention and treatment of HPV related cancers. 

All in all, the intradermal HPV vaccination route can offer dose-sparing possibilities, administering 15-20% of the recommended intramuscular dose. Skin vaccination offers dose-sparing properties, improving uptake and availability, particularly in LMIC. 

Finally, want to know more about HPV vaccines and the possible future of skin or intradermal vaccination? Read our white paper –