human papillomavirus quadrivalent (types 6, 11, 16, 18) vaccine, recombinant (Merck & Co.)

Gardasil is a quadrivalent recombinant vaccine developed by Merck & Co. (MSD) to prevent infections and associated diseases caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV) types 6, 11, 16, and 18. The vaccine is composed of purified virus-like particles (VLPs) of the major capsid (L1) protein of each of the four HPV types, which are produced via recombinant DNA technology in *Saccharomyces cerevisiae*. HPV types 16 and 18 are high-risk genotypes responsible for approximately 70% of cervical cancers and a significant proportion of other HPV-related malignancies, including vulvar, vaginal, and anal cancers. HPV types 6 and 11 are low-risk genotypes responsible for approximately 90% of genital warts (condyloma acuminata). The vaccine works by inducing a humoral immune response, specifically the production of neutralizing antibodies, which prevents the virus from entering host cells and establishing infection. It is indicated for use in both females and males, typically starting at age 9, to prevent cervical, vulvar, vaginal, and anal cancers, as well as genital warts and precancerous or dysplastic lesions.

Brand names

GardasilSilgard

Other names

4vHPVHPV4HPV-4HPV 4quadrivalent HPV vaccinequadrivalent HPV (types 6, 11, 16, 18) recombinant vaccinerecombinant human papillomavirus vaccine types 6, 11, 16, 18