Health Canada Approves GARDASIL®9 for the Prevention of Oropharyngeal and Other Head and Neck Cancers

GARDASIL ® 9 is the first vaccine in Canada approved for the prevention of   HPV-Related Oropharyngeal and other Head and Neck Cancers caused by HPV types 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58

Merck, (NYSE: MRK), known as MSD outside Canada and the United States, announced today that Health Canada has approved an expanded indication of GARDASIL ® 9 in individuals 9 through 45 years of age for the prevention of infection caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58 and the following diseases associated with the HPV types included in the vaccine : Oropharyngeal and other head and neck cancers caused by HPV types 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58. 1 This market authorization has been issued with conditions pending the results of trials to verify its clinical benefit.

Merck Canada Inc. logo (CNW Group/Merck Canada Inc.)

"Head and neck cancers can be extremely debilitating for survivors. Although curative treatment of HPV induced oropharyngeal cancer is usually successful, the treatment and cancer itself can cause significant morbidities, dysfunction, and lowered patient qualities of life moving forward. A vaccine that can actually help prevent certain HPV-related head and neck cancers is an important scientific advancement," said Dr. Peter Spafford , College of Medicine Division of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Saskatchewan .

"No screening program exists for HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers. This approval represents the first clinical tool to help prevent oropharyngeal and head and neck cancer caused by HPV infection in men and women," said Dr. Vivien Brown , Past President of the Federation of Medical Women of Canada (FMWC) and co-founder of HPV Prevention Week in Canada .

It is estimated that 75% of sexually active Canadians will have an HPV infection at some point if not immunized 2 and that more than 550,000 Canadians become infected with HPV each year. 3 While most infected people clear the virus, those who do not can develop HPV-related cancers and precancers, or genital warts. Many people who have HPV may not show any signs or symptoms, which means they can infect others without knowing it. 4

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada , about 25% to 35% of mouth and throat cancers are related to oral HPV infection and in 2012, the incidence rate of HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer was more than 4.5 times higher in males and females. The proportion of tonsillar cancers in Canada in which HPV has been detected increased from 25% (1993–1999) to 62% (2006–2011). 5

"Scheduling regular dentist check-ups can allow your dental professional to detect signs of head and neck cancers including oropharyngeal cancers at their earliest stage. Canadians should speak to their dental professional about a thorough evaluation, as there is currently no screening program that exists for head and neck cancers," said Dr. Cheryl Cable , Maxillofacial Prosthodontist, President of Canadian Association of Women Dentists, Lead of the Alberta Head and Neck Cancer Dental Leadership Team, and Associate Professor of the University of Alberta .

"Today's expanded approval for GARDASIL ® 9 is a key milestone in the prevention of HPV-related oropharyngeal and other head and neck cancers. It is a clear testament to Merck Canada's mission of saving and improving the lives of Canadians," said Marwan Akar , President and Managing Director of Merck Canada.

About Head and Neck Cancers

Head and neck cancers can occur in various areas of the mouth, the space inside and around the nose and throughout the throat or the salivary glands. 6 In 2012, the incidence rate of HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer was more than 4.5 times higher in males than females; 7 however, the rate for women has been rising for several decades. 8 People over the age of 40 are also at higher risk for head and neck cancers. 9 In addition to HPV, other factors that can raise the risk of developing head and neck cancers include tobacco use and alcohol consumption. 10

About GARDASIL ® 9

GARDASIL ® 9 is a vaccine indicated for individuals 9 through 45 years of age for the prevention of infection caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58 and the following diseases associated with the HPV types included in the vaccine: cervical, vulvar, vaginal, and anal cancer (without conditions), and oropharyngeal and other head and neck cancers (with conditions) caused by HPV types 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58; genital warts caused by HPV types 6 and 11 (without conditions); and the following precancerous or dysplastic lesions caused by HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58 (without conditions): cervical adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS), cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) grade 2 and grade 3, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) grade 1, vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) grade 2 and grade 3, vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia (VaIN) grade 2 and grade 3, and anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN) grades 1, 2, and 3. 11

The oropharyngeal and other head and neck cancer indication for GARDASIL ® 9 has been issued market authorization with conditions, pending the results of trials to verify its clinical benefit. Healthcare practitioners should advise patients of the nature of the authorization. 12

Health Canada's approval for the prevention of HPV-related oropharyngeal and other head and neck cancers caused by HPV types 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58 is based on the effectiveness of GARDASIL ® * and GARDASIL ® 9 to prevent persistent infection and anogenital disease caused by HPV types covered by the vaccine. 13

GARDASIL ® 9 should not be used in anyone with an allergic reaction to a previous dose of GARDASIL ® 9 or GARDASIL ® * or to any of the ingredients in the vaccine. GARDASIL ® 9 does not treat HPV infection and may not protect everyone who gets vaccinated. Side effects and allergic reactions can occur. 14 GARDASIL®9 is not recommended for use in pregnant women.

About Merck

For over 130 years, Merck, known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada , has been inventing for life, bringing forward medicines and vaccines for many of the world's most challenging diseases in pursuit of our mission to save and improve lives. We demonstrate our commitment to patients and population health by increasing access to health care through far-reaching policies, programs, and partnerships. Today, Merck continues to be at the forefront of research to prevent and treat diseases that threaten people and animals – including cancer, infectious diseases such as HIV and Ebola, and emerging animal diseases – as we aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company in the world. For more information about our operations in Canada , visit www.merck.ca and connect with us on YouTube and Twitter @MerckCanada .

Forward-Looking Statement of Merck & Co. Inc., Kenilworth, NJ , USA.

This news release of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J. , USA (the "company") includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the company's management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. There can be no guarantees with respect to pipeline candidates that the candidates will receive the necessary regulatory approvals or that they will prove to be commercially successful. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.

Risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to, general industry conditions and competition; general economic factors, including interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; the impact of the global outbreak of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19); the impact of pharmaceutical industry regulation and health care legislation in the United States and internationally; global trends toward health care cost containment; technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in new product development, including obtaining regulatory approval; the company's ability to accurately predict future market conditions; manufacturing difficulties or delays; financial instability of international economies and sovereign risk; dependence on the effectiveness of the company's patents and other protections for innovative products; and the exposure to litigation, including patent litigation, and/or regulatory actions.

The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the company's 2021 Annual Report on Form 10-K and the company's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) available at the SEC's Internet site ( www.sec.gov ).

*GARDASIL ® is no longer marketed in Canada

References

________________________________

1 GARDASIL ® 9 Product Monograph. Merck & Co. Inc. Updated April 6, 2022.

2 Public Health Agency of Canada. Human Papillomavirus Vaccine: Canadian Immunization Guide. Available at https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/healthy-living/canadian-immunization-guide-part-4-active-vaccines/page-9-human-papillomavirus-vaccine.html . Accessed on February 24, 2022.

3 GARDASIL ® 9 Product Monograph. Merck & Co. Inc. Updated April 6, 2022.

4 GARDASIL ® 9 Product Monograph. Merck & Co. Inc. Updated April 6, 2022.

5 GARDASIL ® 9 Product Monograph. Merck & Co. Inc. Updated April 6, 2022.

6 National Cancer Institute. Head and Neck Cancers. Available at https://www.cancer.gov/types/head-and-neck/head-neck-fact-sheet . Accessed on February 18, 2022.

7 Office of the Chief Dental Officer of Canada. Human papillomavirus and oral health. Can Commun Dis Rep 2020;46(11/12):380–3. https://doi.org/10.14745/ccdr.v46i1112a03. Available at https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/reports-publications/canada-communicable-disease-report-ccdr/monthly-issue/2020-46/issue-11-12-november-5-2020/human-papillomavirus-oral-health.html .

8 Cancer.net. Head and Neck Cancer: Risk Factors and Prevention. Available at https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/head-and-neck-cancer/risk-factors-and-prevention . Accessed on February 18, 2022.

9 Cancer.Net. Head and Neck Cancer: Risk Factors and Prevention. Available at https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/head-and-neck-cancer/risk-factors-and-prevention . Accessed on March 16, 2022.

10 Cancer.Net. Head and Neck Cancer: Risk Factors and Prevention. Available at https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/head-and-neck-cancer/risk-factors-and-prevention . Accessed on March 16, 2022.

11 GARDASIL ® 9 Product Monograph. Merck & Co. Inc. Updated April 6, 2022.

12 GARDASIL ® 9 Product Monograph. Merck & Co. Inc. Updated April 6, 2022.

13 GARDASIL ® 9 Product Monograph. Merck & Co. Inc. Updated April 6, 2022.

14 GARDASIL ® 9 Product Monograph. Merck & Co. Inc. Updated April 6, 2022.

SOURCE Merck Canada Inc.

Cision View original content to download multimedia: https://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/April2022/11/c3841.html

News Provided by Canada Newswire via QuoteMedia

MRK
The Conversation (0)
Merck Announces First-Quarter 2023 Financial Results

Merck Announces First-Quarter 2023 Financial Results

  • First Quarter 2023 Reflected Continued Strong Underlying Performance Across Key Growth Drivers, Particularly in Oncology and Vaccines
  • Total Worldwide Sales Were $14.5 Billion, a Decrease of 9% From First Quarter 2022; Excluding LAGEVRIO, Growth Was 11%; Excluding LAGEVRIO and the Impact of Foreign Exchange, Growth Was 15%
    • KEYTRUDA Sales Grew 20% to $5.8 Billion; Excluding the Impact of Foreign Exchange, Sales Grew 24%
    • GARDASIL/GARDASIL 9 Sales Grew 35% to $2.0 Billion; Excluding the Impact of Foreign Exchange, Sales Grew 43%
    • LAGEVRIO Sales Declined 88% to $392 Million; Excluding the Impact of Foreign Exchange, Sales Declined 87%
  • GAAP EPS Was $1.11; Non-GAAP EPS Was $1.40; GAAP and Non-GAAP EPS Include $0.52 of Charges Related to Acquisition of Imago and Collaboration and Licensing Agreement With Kelun-Biotech
  • Announced Proposed Acquisition of Prometheus Biosciences to Strengthen Immunology Pipeline
  • Presented Compelling Data From Innovative Cardiovascular Pipeline With:
    • Positive Phase 3 Results for Sotatercept
    • Positive Phase 2b Results for MK-0616; Plans to Start Phase 3 Studies in 2023
  • Advanced Oncology Research Efforts, Sharing Notable Progress for Earlier Stages of Disease in Certain Tumor Types, Including:
    • Positive Topline Results From Phase 3 KEYNOTE-671 Trial
    • Positive Detailed Results in Collaboration With Moderna From Phase 2b KEYNOTE-942/mRNA-4157-P201 Trial
  • 2023 Financial Outlook
    • Raises and Narrows Expected Full-Year 2023 Worldwide Sales Range To Be Between $57.7 Billion and $58.9 Billion, Including Negative Impact of Foreign Exchange of Approximately 2 Percentage Points; Outlook Includes Approximately $1.0 Billion of LAGEVRIO Sales
    • Lowers and Narrows Expected Full-Year 2023 GAAP EPS Range To Be Between $5.85 and $5.97, Reflecting Zetia Antitrust Litigation Settlement
    • Raises and Narrows Expected Full-Year 2023 Non-GAAP EPS Range To Be Between $6.88 and $7.00, Including Negative Impact of Foreign Exchange of Approximately 4 Percentage Points
    • Outlook Does Not Reflect Any Impact From Proposed Acquisition of Prometheus Biosciences, Which Is Expected to Close in Third Quarter 2023, and Would Result in a One-Time Charge to Both GAAP and Non-GAAP Results of Approximately $10.3 Billion or Approximately $4.00 per Share

Merck (NYSE: MRK), known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, today announced financial results for the first quarter of 2023.

�Inspired by our commitment to bring bold science forward to address critical unmet patient needs, we began 2023 with significant advancements across our innovative pipeline," said Robert M. Davis, chairman and chief executive officer, Merck. "Our first-quarter results are a reflection of the focused execution of our science-led strategy, strong performance across our key growth drivers, continued momentum commercially and operationally, and most importantly the collective and dedicated efforts of our colleagues around the world. I'm proud of the progress we've made, and we will continue to move with speed and agility to deliver value for patients and shareholders, now and well into the future."

News Provided by Business Wire via QuoteMedia

Keep reading...Show less
BRODSKY & SMITH SHAREHOLDER UPDATE: Notifying Investors of the Following Investigations: Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, Inc. , BELLUS Health Inc , Prometheus Biosciences, Inc. , Univar Solutions Inc.

BRODSKY & SMITH SHAREHOLDER UPDATE: Notifying Investors of the Following Investigations: Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, Inc. , BELLUS Health Inc , Prometheus Biosciences, Inc. , Univar Solutions Inc.

Brodsky & Smith reminds investors of the following investigations. If you own shares and wish to discuss the investigation, contact Jason Brodsky ( jbrodsky@brodskysmith.com ) or Marc Ackerman ( mackerman@brodskysmith.com ) at 855-576-4847. There is no cost or financial obligation to you.

Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq – SPPI)

News Provided by GlobeNewswire via QuoteMedia

Keep reading...Show less
OTC:BCTXF

BriaCell Announces Grant to Investigator Dr. Saveri Bhattacharya at Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center – Jefferson Health

Highlights:

  • Grant awarded to Dr. Saveri Bhattacharya, Principal Investigator of the Phase I/IIa combination study of Bria-IMT™ with KEYTRUDA® (by Merck) in advanced breast cancer at Thomas Jefferson University.
  • Merck to provide KEYTRUDA® for use in the combination study.
  • The Investigator Grant validates and will build on the encouraging preliminary data from BriaCell’s combination study of Bria-IMT™ with KEYTRUDA® (Link).

BriaCell Therapeutics Corp. (“BriaCell” or the “Company”) (TSXV:BCT, OTCQB:BCTXD), a clinical-stage biotechnology company specializing in targeted immunotherapy for advanced breast cancer, today announced that Dr. Saveri Bhattacharya, a board-certified medical oncologist and recognized expert in breast cancer treatment at the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center – Jefferson Health in Philadelphia, PA, has been selected to receive support from the Merck Investigator Studies Program (“MISP”). The Investigator Grant is a highly coveted award granted by Merck & Co., Inc. (“Merck”) (NYSE: MRK) to leading investigators with highly innovative clinical studies.

Keep reading...Show less

Merck Announces Q4 and Full-Year 2019 Financial Results

Merck (NYSE:MRK) reported quarterly worldwide sales at US$11.9 billion in Q4 in its financial results for the fourth quarter of 2019 and its full fiscal 2019 year.

As quoted in the press release:

Keep reading...Show less
OTC:BCTXF

BriaCell’s Clinical Data Accepted to be Presented at the Annual Symposium of Society of Surgical Oncology 2020 in Boston

Safety and early efficacy data to be presented from clinical trial of Bria-IMT™ in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors in advanced breast cancer:

  • Bria-IMT™ in combination with pembrolizumab (KEYTRUDA®; by Merck & Co., Inc.);
  • Bria-IMT™ in combination with INCMGA00012 (by Incyte Corporation).

BriaCell Therapeutics Corp. (“BriaCell” or the “Company”) (TSXV:BCT, OTCQB:BCTXD), a clinical-stage biotechnology company specializing in targeted immunotherapies for advanced breast cancer, is pleased to announce that the data of its clinical studies with its lead product candidate, Bria-IMT™, will be presented the at the Annual Symposium of Society of Surgical Oncology (SSO) 2020 – International Conference on Surgical Cancer Care taking place March 25-28 in Boston, MA.

Keep reading...Show less

Ratio Enters License and Collaboration Agreement with Novartis for SSTR2-targeting Radiotherapeutic Candidate

Ratio to receive upfront, and potential milestones and tiered royalty payments

Ratio Therapeutics Inc. ( Ratio ), a pharmaceutical company employing innovative technologies to develop best-in-class radiopharmaceuticals for cancer treatment and monitoring, entered today into an exclusive worldwide license and collaboration agreement with Novartis Pharma AG, a subsidiary of Novartis AG (NYSE: NVS). The collaboration leverages Ratio's radioligand therapy discovery and development expertise as well as its technology platforms for the development of a Somatostatin Receptor 2 (SSTR2) radiotherapeutic candidate for cancer.

News Provided by PR Newswire via QuoteMedia

Keep reading...Show less
Blank pill bottle spilling a variety of pharmaceutical pills and capsules.

5 Biggest Pharmaceutical ETFs in 2024

The global pharmaceutical market reached a total value of US$1.6 trillion in 2023, according to Statista, up significantly from the US$888 billion seen just over a decade earlier in 2010.

Experienced and novice investors alike may want to consider pharmaceutical exchange-traded funds (ETFs) as a way to gain exposure to the top pharma companies. Like all ETFs, pharmaceutical ETFs are a good option for those who want to trade a set of assets in the pharmaceutical industry instead of focusing solely on individual pharmaceutical stocks.

The main advantage of a pharmaceutical ETF is the fact that it can provide exposure to an overarching sector, but still trades like a stock. Pharma ETFs also offer less market volatility and lower fees and expenses.

Keep reading...Show less
Pill spelling "big pharma."

Big Pharma Stocks Eli Lilly, AbbVie and Pfizer Share Q3 Results

Major pharmaceutical players Eli Lilly (NYSE:LLY), AbbVie (NYSE:ABBV) and Pfizer (NYSE:PFE) reported mixed Q3 results, with each company facing distinct market forces, ranging from supply issues to financial constraints.

In its latest quarterly report, released on Wednesday (October 30), Eli Lilly missed on sales expectations for Zepbound, its popular weight-loss drug, and Mounjaro, its diabetes medication. Despite growing US demand for these products, supply chain management issues impacted the company’s ability to meet Wall Street's expectations.

According to Reuters, Eli Lilly dropped 8 percent on the news, reducing its market valuation by nearly US$70 billion.

Keep reading...Show less
Canada maple leaves on left and pharmaceutical pills in red and blue on right.

4 Best-performing Canadian Pharma Stocks of 2024

From established players to up-and-coming firms, Canada's pharmaceutical company is diverse and dynamic.

Canadian pharma companies are working to discover and develop major innovations amidst an increasingly competitive global landscape. Rising technologies such as artificial intelligence are playing a role in the landscape as well.

Here the Investing News Network lists the top Canadian pharma stocks on the TSX, TSXV and CSE by year-to-date gains. All data was compiled on October 28, 2024, using TradingView’s stock screener, and the companies considered had market caps above C$10 million at that time. Read on to learn about what's been driving their share prices.

Keep reading...Show less
US flag with orange pill bottle on top and white pills spilling out.

Harris vs. Trump: The 2024 US Election, Drug Prices and Healthcare

The exorbitant cost of pharmaceutical drugs in the US has been a contentious issue for years, with the Republican and Democrat parties overtly at odds on the best way to lower drug prices.

Despite the best efforts of lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, prescription drug prices are still on the rise. Figures from the US Department of Health and Human Services show a 15.2 percent increase in the cost of prescription drugs from 2022 to 2023, with an average of US$590 per drug.

In the lead up to the 2024 US general election, the pharmaceutical industry is buttering its bread on both sides with nearly equal contributions to both parties. Citing data from OpenSecrets, KFF Health News reported in late August that drug companies had donated US$4.89 million to Democrats’ coffers and US$4.35 million to Republicans.

Keep reading...Show less
Pills and Australian dollars.

InhaleRx Pens AU$38.5 Million Funding Agreement with Clendon Biotech Capital

Australian healthcare company InhaleRx (ASX:IRX) has entered into a AU$38.5 million funding facility with Melbourne-based Clendon Biotech Capital to cover clinical trial costs for its key projects.

InhaleRx currently has two main projects: its pain asset IRX-211 and its mental health asset IRX-616a.

According to the company, IRX-211 is designed to target breakthrough cancer pain, while IRX-616a focuses on offering fast and effective relief for individuals suffering from panic disorder.

Keep reading...Show less

Latest Press Releases

Related News

×