study on cost effectiveness of HPV vaccine for boys

[carriebft]

http://www.fiercepharma.com/story/st...oys/2009-06-25

Merck's quest to expand the use of Gardasil to boys may have hit a snag. A new study by Harvard researchers found that vaccinating all boys with the human papillomavirus shot may be less cost-effective than for girls, Bloomberg reports. The improvements in quality and length of life aren't as marked in boys as in girls, the study found, and its authors recommended that health officials focus on vaccinating girls against HPV.

Short, interesting discussion of the cost factors for Merck in the link.

[Ruthla]

Does this mean our boys will be safe from this particular vaccine for a few more years?

[laohaire]

Wait... the quote implies that they have found improvements in the quality and length of life in girls after giving the HPV.

How long have they studied it, exactly? They actually have data showing the quality and length of life in girls vaccinated against HPV have improved?

[carriebft]

Well, looks like Merck is disputing the results (surprise?)-- although I have not seen the actual study- I would think that more results like this would definitely delay their ability for approval.

[13Sandals]

carrie wrote: "Well, looks like Merck is disputing the results (surprise?)-- although I have not seen the actual study- I would think that more results like this would definitely delay their ability for approval."

don't worry - this is easily disputed. I imagine something along the lines of - well, it may not help boys, but boys pass it to girls and it helps girls, so let's include boys.

Plus, there is already a precedent with the rubella vax. Only pregnant women (and their babies) are affected by rubella. But we don't just vaccinate teenage girls against rubella. The boys have to take it too. Same thing. They are just going slowly - getting everyone used to the idea. the frog in the pot and all.