US CDC recommends wider use of Gardasil 9

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a new recommendation, supporting extended use of Gardasil 9 (human papillomavirus 9-valent vaccine).

At its latest meeting, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices said it supported the use of catch-up vaccination against infection by human papillomavirus (HPV) in male adults over 26.

The altered guidance, which should boost sales of Merck & Co's (NYSE: MRK) product, follows the US Food and Drug Administration’s decision to approve an extended label for Gardasil 9, to include adults up to the age of 45.