Millions of women could be saved by a new miracle vaccine that prevents the viruses that cause 70 percent of cervical-cancer cases.
The vaccine, called Gardasil, is safe and effective and should receive government approval, an FDA advisory panel said yesterday.
Merck, the drug’s maker, said the vaccine could slash deaths from cervical cancer – the second most common malignancy in women – by two-thirds.
The Food and Drug Administration’s panel of outside experts voted 13-0 to recommend approval.
The FDA is not required to follow recommendations of its outside panels, but usually does. It is expected to decide by June 8.
The vaccine protects against the two types of human papillomavirus believed responsible for about 70 percent of cervical-cancer cases.
“This is certainly a wonderful, good step in addition to our screening processes,” said Dr. Monica Farley, head of the advisory panel.