CERVARIX [Human Papillomavirus Bivalent (Types 16 and 18) Vaccine, Recombinant]
is a non-infectious recombinant, AS04-adjuvanted vaccine that contains recombinant
L1 protein, the major antigenic protein of the capsid, of oncogenic HPV types
16 and 18. The L1 proteins are produced in separate bioreactors using the recombinant
Baculovirus expression vector system in a serum-free culture media composed
of chemically-defined lipids, vitamins, amino acids, and mineral salts. Following
replication of the L1 encoding recombinant Baculovirus in Trichoplusia ni
insect cells, the L1 protein accumulates in the cytoplasm of the cells. The
L1 proteins are released by cell disruption and purified by a series of chromatographic
and filtration methods. Assembly of the L1 proteins into virus-like particles
(VLPs) occurs at the end of the purification process. The purified, non-infectious
VLPs are then adsorbed on to aluminum (as hydroxide salt). The adjuvant system,
AS04, is composed of 3-O-desacyl-4'-monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL) adsorbed
on to aluminum (as hydroxide salt).
CERVARIX (human papillomavirus bivalent vaccine) is prepared by combining the adsorbed VLPs of each HPV type together with the AS04 adjuvant system in sodium chloride, sodium dihydrogen phosphate dihydrate, and Water for Injection.
CERVARIX (human papillomavirus bivalent vaccine) is a sterile suspension for intramuscular injection. Each 0.5-mL dose
is formulated to contain 20 mcg of HPV type 16 L1 protein, 20 mcg of HPV type
18 L1 protein, 50 mcg of the 3-O-desacyl-4'-monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL),
and 0.5 mg of aluminum hydroxide. Each dose also contains 4.4 mg of sodium chloride
and 0.624 mg of sodium dihydrogen phosphate dihydrate. Each dose may also contain
residual amounts of insect cell and viral protein ( < 40 ng) and bacterial
cell protein ( < 150 ng) from the manufacturing process. CERVARIX (human papillomavirus bivalent vaccine) does not
contain a preservative.
Last reviewed on RxList: 10/30/2009
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.