Vaccine Approval Sparks Controversy with US Religious Groups

Strategic Insights -

A new cervical cancer vaccine, Gardasil, approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, has sparked concerns among America's religious right, who worry that immunizing young girls against the virus that causes cervical cancer may promote promiscuity. Conservative groups, including the influential Family Research Council, have voiced opposition to any measures that would require vaccination or coerce parents into authorizing it, citing concerns about the message that would be delivered to children as young as nine. Meanwhile, pharmaceutical giants Merck and GlaxoSmithKline are gearing up for a showdown with these groups, with Merck estimating that the vaccine could generate $11.5 billion in sales in the US alone, where 32 million females between the ages of nine and 24 will be eligible for the vaccine.

Key Takeaways:

  • The US Food and Drug Administration has approved Merck's Gardasil vaccine, a cervical cancer vaccine, despite opposition from conservative groups who worry it may promote promiscuity.
  • The Family Research Council has written a letter to the US government expressing concern that the vaccine may deliver a message to young girls that makes all sex "safe".
  • Merck estimates that the vaccine could generate $11.5 billion in sales in the US alone, where 32 million females between the ages of nine and 24 will be eligible.
  • GlaxoSmithKline has filed for registration of its Cervarix vaccine in Europe and plans to file in the US before the end of the year.
  • Merck and GlaxoSmithKline have been in discussions with Christian conservative groups to assuage their concerns.
  • The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices will meet on June 29 to recommend how and if Gardasil should be integrated into the schedule of other mandatory vaccines.

Statistics:

  • The FDA approved the vaccine for use in 32 million females between the ages of 9 and 24 in the US.
  • The vaccine could generate $11.5 billion in sales in the US alone.
  • Merck plans to charge $360 (around £200) for the three-jab course given over six months.
  • 29% of US voters (according to a recent poll) strongly oppose the vaccine.

Sources:

  • Byline: Danny Fortson
  • Nomura Code Securities
  • Food and Drug Administration
  • GlaxoSmithKline
  • Merck
  • Family Research Council
  • Food and Drug Administration