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Article: Cervical cancer vaccine shot ready
- Article from:
- Winnipeg Free Press
- Article date:
- May 19, 2006
CopyrightCopyright F.P. Canadian Newspapers Limited Partnership May 19, 2006. Provided by ProQuest LLC. (Hide copyright information)
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WASHINGTON -- A vaccine with the potential to slash worldwide deaths from cervical cancer, the No. 2 cancer killer in women, should be approved for sales in the United States, a federal panel said yesterday.
A U.S. Food and Drug Administration advisory committee voted 13-0 to endorse the safety and effectiveness of Merck and Co.'s Gardasil, which blocks viruses that cause cervical cancer. The company said the vaccine could cut worldwide deaths from the disease by two-thirds.
However, the anticipated cost of the vaccine, administered in three shots over six months, is $300 to $500 US -- a possible impediment to widespread ...