This is a 96-month safety and immunogenicity study conducted in boys and girls 9 to 14 years of age and in young women 16 to 26 years of age. From this study, the goal is to establish that the investigational extended 2-dose regimens (0, 12 months; 0, 24 months; 0, 36 months; and 0, 60 months) studied in boys and girls 9 to 14 years of age are generally safe and immunogenic, with an antibody response that is not inferior to that observed in young women 16 to 26 years of age who receive the standard 3-dose regimen of 9-valent human papillomavirus (9vHPV) vaccine at 0, 2, and 6 months (i.e., the population and dose regimen used to establish 9vHPV vaccine efficacy).
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.