The Hindu Business Line : MSD launches new vaccine for cervical cancer

In India, cervical cancer ranks as the most common cancer among women well ahead of breast cancer; annually more than 1.3 lakh women are found to have
this disease.

Our Bureau

New Delhi, Oct. 15 MSD Pharmaceuticals, a wholly- owned subsidiary of Merck & Co, plans to launch vaccines for various diseases including chicken pox, hepitatis A, rotavirus and zoster in the next two-three years.

The company launched its cervical cancer vaccine under the brand ‘GARDASIL’.

Announcing the launch, Dr Naveen A. Rao, Managing Director, MSD India, said, “MSD India is committed to addressing diseases of high burden in India. With the launch of GARDASIL, we have initiated the war against cervical cancer, the number one cause of mortality amongst Indian women due to cancer. In line with our commitment to putting patients first, MSD India will work with partners and communities to enhance awareness for the disease and access for the vaccine.”

MOER VACCINES PLANNED

Cervical cancer is the cancer of the cervix (the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina) which is caused by a commonly found virus called human papillomavirus or HPV.

In India, cervical cancer ranks as the most common cancer among women well ahead of breast cancer. Annually more than 1.3 lakh women are diagnosed to have cervical cancer in India.

MSD Pharma currently has two vaccines in the market and plans to launch four more over the next 2-3 years. After launching all its products the company expects to be the number one player in Rs 1,000 crore domestic vaccine market by 2013.

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