Intradermal vaccination against HPV - New Insights

Intradermal vaccination against HPV – New Insights

Read our latest updated white paper which shares some insights into the potential and benefits of using intradermal (skin) as suitable site for HPV vaccine delivery. Several studies have shown the effectiveness of HPV vaccination in cancer prevention. However, despite the benefits, vaccination uptake varies greatly between regions, with some countries having extremely low uptake.

Want to know more? Some of the topics discussed in this white paper include:

HPV can cause several cancers in both men and women

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the most frequent Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI). Additionally, it is the second most common cause of cancer attributable to an infectious agent globally. While HPV is not limited to females only, it is well-known to be the key cause of cervical cancer in women.

Some HPV types are highly carcinogenic

More than 200 HPV genotypes have been fully characterized and are classified into low- and high-risk types according to their carcinogenic potential. HPV 16 and 18 together are responsible globally for 70% of cervical cancer. HPV16 is detected in about 90% of HPV-related anal, vaginal, vulvar, penile and oropharyngeal cancers.

HPV vaccination to prevent cancer

Currently there are six licensed HPV vaccines: three bivalent, two quadrivalent, and one nonavalent vaccine. All of these are effective in preventing infection against HPV16 and HPV18. Originally, HPV vaccination was initially introduced only for young girls aged 11 to 13; however more and more countries have been adopting pan-gender vaccination programs.

HPV vaccination uptakes vary across regions

Protection methods can lessen the chances of acquiring HPV infections. Nonetheless, HPV vaccines are key to prevent HPV related infections. Prophylactic vaccines work on forming neutralizing antibodies. Alternatively, the mechanism of action for HPV therapeutic vaccines aims at generating cell-mediated immunity.

At the end of 2019, 88% of high-income countries introduced HPV vaccination in women and girls. In comparison, to less than 40% of LMICs. Additionally, 44% of high-income countries also started vaccinating boys, compared to only 5% of LMICs.

Intradermal HPV vaccination as a promising route of administration

Reasons for the lower uptake of HPV vaccination include financial and human resource constraints and worldwide shortage of HPV vaccine supply. Vaccination in the skin or intradermal vaccination offers a dose-sparing solution.