HPV Vaccine Research

In 2006, Canada granted regulatory approval for the use of a new vaccine – Gardasil™ – for the prevention of infection from four strains of human papilloma virus (HPV). This virus has been identified as a cause of genital warts and cervical cancer, and is often described as the most common sexually transmitted infection.

MSFHR received a request from the BC Provincial Health Officer to provide oversight and accountability mechanisms for a research project related to the vaccine. Undertaken by a team of researchers at the Vaccine Evaluation Centre at the Child & Family Research Institute and the BC Centre for Disease Control, the program will determine the most cost-effective way to provide immunity.

The currently-approved protocol involves a three-dose protocol, at a cost of more than $100 per dose per individual. If a two-dose regimen is demonstrated to provide effective immunity, this could lead to significant cost savings for subsequent immunization programs. The project is anticipated to be a two and a half year study, involving clinical trial sites in Nova Scotia and Quebec as well as BC. The project also aims to develop an immune assay – a test to determine acquired protection from the virus that is not proprietary to a vaccine manufacturer.

Updates from the principal investigators indicate that both the clinical trial and assay development have made significant progress. The clinical trial completed its recruitment ahead of schedule and there have been no major impediments to proceeding. The assay development is on schedule to complete testing for the two major oncogenic HPV strains.

MSFHR's role in the project is to receive and administer funds; facilitate arms-length review of the studies, including protocols, methodology, intellectual property issues, etc.; oversee grant administration; and ensure that the reporting requirements of the BC Ministry of Health Services are met. MSFHR struck an External Expert Advisory Panel to provide advice and feedback, and make recommendations to Foundation as requested.

HPV Vaccine Research Project External Expert Advisory Panel (PDF)

Last updated May 1, 2009