China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) announced Wednesday the approval of the country's first domestically developed 9-valent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, marking a significant milestone in China's biopharmaceutical sector. The vaccine offers protection against nine high-risk HPV strains and becomes only the second 9-valent HPV vaccine available worldwide.
Developed through a decade-long collaboration between Chinese researchers and biotech firm Wantai BioPharm, the vaccine demonstrates 97.8% efficacy in preventing HPV-related cervical precancerous lesions during clinical trials involving 10,000 participants. "This breakthrough reduces dependence on imported vaccines and improves accessibility for women nationwide," stated NMPA spokesperson Li Jing during a press briefing.
The approval comes as cervical cancer remains China's eighth most common female cancer, with 110,000 new cases reported annually. Health experts estimate the new vaccine could prevent up to 93% of cervical cancer cases when combined with proper screening.
For investors, the development signals growth potential in China's $1.2 billion HPV vaccine market, which saw 18% year-on-year demand increase in 2023. Analysts project domestic HPV vaccines could capture 40% market share within three years.
