Intradermal vaccination against HPV – New Insights

Check out our updated white paper to learn how delivering the HPV vaccine through the skin (intradermally) could be a promising approach. Several studies have shown HPV vaccines help prevent cancer, but unfortunately not everyone is getting vaccinated. As a result, in some regions, the vaccination rate is very low.

Want to know more? Some of the topics discussed in this white paper include: 

HPV can cause several cancers in both men and women  

HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is the most prevalent sexually transmitted infection (STI) worldwide and ranks as the second leading cause of cancer linked to an infectious agent. Although HPV affects both men and women, it is widely recognized as the primary cause of cervical cancer in women.

Some HPV types are highly carcinogenic 

More than 200 HPV genotypes have been  fully characterized and are classified into low- and high-risk types according to their carcinogenic potential. HPV 16 and 18 together are responsible globally for 70% of cervical cancer.  In about 90% of HPV-related anal, vaginal, vulvar, penile and oropharyngeal cancers, HPV16 is detected.

HPV vaccination to prevent cancer 

Currently six approved HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccines are globally available . Three bivalent-, two quadrivalent-, and one nonavalent vaccine . All six vaccines offer strong protection against HPV types 16 and 18, which are responsible for the majority of HPV-related cancers. Initially, HPV vaccination programs targeted girls aged 11 to 13, aiming to reduce cervical cancer risk. Today, many countries are expanding to gender-neutral HPV vaccination strategies, recognizing the importance of protecting all individuals from HPV-related diseases. 

HPV Prevention: Vaccines and Protective Strategies 

Using protective methods can help reduce the risk of contracting HPV (Human Papillomavirus) infections. However, HPV vaccines remain the most effective tool for preventing HPV-related diseases. Prophylactic HPV vaccines stimulate the production of neutralizing antibodies to block infection. In contrast, therapeutic HPV vaccines are designed to activate cell-mediated immunity, targeting existing HPV infections and associated lesions.

By the end of 2019, 88% of high-income countries had implemented HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccination programs for girls and women. In contrast, less than 40% of low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) had introduced similar initiatives. Furthermore, 44% of high-income nations expanded HPV vaccination to include boys, while only 5% of LMICs had adopted gender-neutral vaccination strategies. This highlights a significant global disparity in HPV vaccine access and implementation.

Intradermal HPV vaccination as a promising route of administration 

Reasons for the lower uptake of HPV vaccination include financial and human resource constraints and worldwide shortage of HPV vaccine supply. Vaccination in the skin or intradermal vaccination offers a dose-sparing solution.

Want to know more about why skin optimal site for skin drug delivery and vaccination and our intradermal injection system, VAX-ID?

Read our white paper here