Encouraging Scientific Evidence Mounting

Encouraging Scientific Evidence Mounting For HPV Vaccine Approval, Says DeLauro

Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (Conn.-3) was today encouraged by mounting scientific evidence over the vaccine that protects against human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV, the most common sexually transmitted disease, is believed to be responsible for about 70 percent of cervical cancer cases. Cervical cancer afflicts nearly 10,000 women each year, killing 4,000 in the U.S. Worldwide there are 510, 000 women diagnosed with cervical cancer with 288, 000 deaths.

"Women across the country should be encouraged, as I am today, with mounting scientific evidence of the benefits of the HPV vaccine," said DeLauro. "It is clear that the science exists to fight a cancer that thousands of women fall victim to each year and there is now significant scientific and medical evidence proving the benefits of the HPV vaccine. With countless public health officials and medical providers agreeing on this medical breakthrough, I am hopeful the FDA will approve this vaccine for use."

Yesterday, a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory panel found that the HPV vaccine is safe and effective and should be approved for use. This news comes on the heels of testimony by Dr. John Niederhuber, the acting director of the National Cancer Institute and National Institutes of Health, who last month told the Labor-Health-Education Appropropriations Subcommittee that the results of the HPV vaccine were "truly stunning."

DeLauro, a member of that subcommittee and a cancer survivor, is also the ranking member of the House Appropriations Agriculture Subcommittee with oversight responsibilities of the FDA and its budget. In November, she and over 100 Members of Congress wrote the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices urging them to make a decision for use based on the advice of medical providers, researchers and public health officials.

http://www.house.gov/delauro/press/2006/May/HPV_vaccine_5_19_06.html