14 DAY TRIAL // This month, the scientists from Merck and Co. announced the results of their researches regarding the use of HPV vaccine on men too. They found that the cure had been only 45% efficient in preventing HPV, but it did a great job in diminishing the occurrence of genital precancerous lesions and warts.
The research took place at the Cancer Center & Research Institute in Tampa, Florida, where 4,065 young men, aged from 16 to 26, were tested. The group used as a sample was given both placebo and the actual vaccine, and was then monitored and further investigations were performed for another six months. The results returned were quite intriguing, as the vaccine was almost 100% effective against warts and PIN. The conclusion reached was that, in order for Gardasil to prevent HPV too, it must be injected before one is infected.
Scientists consider that further studies have to be made to prove whether men vaccinated with Gardasil can also protect their partners, as women seem to be much more prone to infections with the human papillomavirus. So far, around 130 types of the virus have been identified, not all of them leading to cancer – normally, the immune system should eliminate the possible threats without any other risks.
For those who are not familiar with Gardasil, it is the trade name for the first vaccine meant to prevent the HPV. It was first released on the market in 2006 by Merck and Co. The human papillomavirus, or HPV, is widespread, as it is the most common sexually transmitted disease, and one of the most lethal as well. In the case of women, it is estimated that about 470,000 new cases are recorded each year, resulting in 233,000 deaths over the same period.