The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy, immunogenicity and safety of the 9vHPV vaccine in men 20 to 45 years of age. The primary hypothesis tested after the primary database lock is that administration of a 3-dose regimen of 9vHPV vaccine will reduce the incidence of human papillomavirus (HPV) 16/18/31/33/45/52/58-related oral persistent infection (6 months or longer) compared with placebo. There will also be an Extension Study to offer an opportunity to complete the 3 dose regimen of 9vHPV vaccine for participants who received placebo in the Base Study, or received less than 3 doses of 9vHPV vaccine in the Base Study.
Phase 3 trials are pivotal studies with large patient populations (hundreds to thousands) designed to prove efficacy and safety for FDA submission. A successful Phase 3 readout is typically the last major hurdle before a New Drug Application (NDA) or BLA filing.
Enrollment is complete. The trial is in its follow-up or data collection phase — a readout may occur on or near the primary completion date.
Merck & Co (MRK) is the sponsoring company for this trial. BiotechSign currently grades this company F (35/100) based on composite catalyst signals across its full pipeline. This trial is one data point in that overall catalyst picture.