This study is designed to demonstrate non-inferior immunogenicity of 3 doses of the 9-Valent Human Papillomavirus (9vHPV) vaccine (GARDASIL™9, V503) in Chinese males 9 through 19 years of age, and 2 doses of the 9vHPV vaccine in Chinese males 9 through 14 years of age, compared to the 3 dose regimen in Chinese males 20 through 26 years of age (from Merck Protocol V503-052). The primary hypothesis is that each of the 3-dose regimen in Chinese males aged 9 through 19 years and 2-dose regimens in Chinese males aged 9 through 14 years induces non-inferior competitive Luminex immunoassay (cLIA) geometric mean titers (GMTs) at one month post last dose compared to the 3-dose regimen in Chinese adult males aged 20 through 26 years. A noninferiority margin of 0.67 in the GMT ratio (9 through 19 years of age or 9 through 14 years of age vs 20 through 26 years of age) is used for each HPV type.
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.