quadrivalent human papillomavirus (types 6, 11, 16, 18) L1 virus-like particle

The quadrivalent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is a non-infectious recombinant vaccine composed of purified virus-like particles (VLPs) derived from the L1 capsid proteins of HPV types 6, 11, 16 and 18. It is formulated with an amorphous aluminum hydroxyphosphate sulfate adjuvant. The VLPs mimic the structure of native HPV but lack viral DNA and are therefore non-infectious. The mechanism of action involves induction of a strong humoral immune response that generates neutralizing antibodies against the included HPV types. This prevents initial infection by these high-risk and low-risk HPVs associated with cervical cancer (types 16 & 18), other anogenital cancers and precancerous lesions as well as genital warts (types 6 & 11). The primary indication is prophylactic vaccination to prevent diseases caused by these four HPV types in both females and males[3][5][7]. Developed by Merck & Co., it was first approved in the US in 2006 for use in girls/women aged 9–26 years for prevention of cervical/vulvar/vaginal/anal cancers or precancerous lesions caused by these HPVs; later expanded to boys/men for prevention of genital warts and anal cancer[5][3].

Brand names

GardasilSilgard

Other names

HPV4 vaccineHPV-4 vaccineHPV 4 vaccinequadrivalent HPV vaccineqHPV-6/11/16/18 vaccineHuman Papillomavirus Quadrivalent (Types 6, 11, 16 and 18) Vaccine Recombinant