The World Health Organisation (WHO) has announced that a fourth WHO-prequalified human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine product, Cecolin (developed by Xiamen Innovax Biotech) has been confirmed for use in a single-dose schedule.

The decision is made based on new data on the product that fulfilled the criteria set out in the WHO’s 2022 recommendations for alternative, off-label use of HPV vaccines in single-dose schedules.

This important milestone will contribute to improving sustainable supply of HPV vaccines, allowing more girls to be reached with the vaccines that prevent cervical cancer.

More than 95% of the 660,000 cervical cancer cases occurring globally each year are caused by HPV.

A growing number of vaccine products initially prequalified for use in a 2-dose schedule can now be used in a single-dose schedule. The single-dose use indication for this additional vaccine, Cecolin, is incorporated into the second edition of WHO’s technical document on considerations for HPV vaccine product choice.

A further piece of news is the WHO prequalification on 2 August 2024, of an additional HPV vaccine, Walrinvax (manufactured by Yuxi Zerun), making it the fifth product available on the global market. This will contribute to a more sustainable supply of HPV vaccines, enabling more girls to receive the vaccine.