HPV Vaccination: Preventive and Therapeutic
Most people know the HPV vaccine as a preventive measure. However, work is also being done on a therapeutic vaccine that activates the immune system against an existing HPV infection.
Two types of HPV vaccination
There are two fundamentally different approaches to HPV vaccination. It is important to understand this distinction, as they function very differently:
- Preventive vaccination (such as Gardasil 9) is intended to prevent infection. The vaccine is administered before contact with the virus and protects against future infection.
- Therapeutic vaccination is intended to address an existing HPV infection. It activates the immune system to clear already infected tissue.
For women who are already HPV-positive, the preventive vaccine is no longer effective against the type they already carry. This is why research into therapeutic vaccines is so important.
Gardasil 9 vs. therapeutic vaccine
Comparison of vaccine types
| Feature | Gardasil 9 (preventive) | Tipapkinogen Sovacivec (therapeutic) |
|---|---|---|
| Goal | Prevent infection | Treat existing infection |
| When | Before HPV contact | After HPV diagnosis |
| Mechanism of action | Antibodies against viral capsid | T-lymphocytes against E6/E7 antigens |
| Target group | Young women and men (9-26 years) | Women with CIN 2/3 |
| Status | Approved and available | Still in research phase |
| Effect on existing infection | No effect on current type | Stimulates clearing of infected tissue |
Tipapkinogen Sovacivec: the therapeutic vaccine
The therapeutic vaccine Tipapkinogen Sovacivec (TS) is a promising development in the treatment of HPV. Unlike Gardasil 9, which protects the body against future infection, TS is designed to activate the immune system against tissue already infected by HPV.
How does it work?
The vaccine stimulates the immune system via T-lymphocytes. It specifically targets the E6 and E7 antigens of the HPV virus. These are the proteins responsible for the transformation of healthy cells into abnormal cells. By teaching the immune system to recognize these antigens, the body can specifically clear infected and dysplastic cells.
Administration and Schedule
Tipapkinogen Sovacivec vaccination schedule
Week 1: first vaccination
The first dose is administered. The immune system is exposed to the E6/E7 antigens for the first time.
Week 2: second vaccination
The second dose strengthens the immune response. T-lymphocytes are further activated.
Week 3: third vaccination
The final dose consolidates the immune response. The body is now optimally prepared to clear infected cells.
The schedule is compact: 3 vaccinations, 1 per week, over 3 weeks. This makes the treatment practically feasible.
What does the research say?
effectiveness in clearing dysplastic cells in women with CIN 2/3, demonstrated in a study with 192 women.
In a study with 192 women with CIN 2/3, Tipapkinogen Sovacivec showed an effectiveness of 15 to 36% in clearing dysplastic cells. This may sound modest, but it is important to put this into perspective:
- It concerns women with severe abnormalities (CIN 2/3), where spontaneous recovery occurs less frequently
- The vaccine was used as monotherapy, without combination with other treatments
- The results show that the immune system can indeed be activated against an existing HPV infection
The therapeutic vaccine is still in the research phase and is not yet widely available. Further studies will have to determine how effective it is, possibly in combination with other treatments.
What does this mean for you?
The therapeutic vaccine is a hopeful development, but it is currently not yet available as a standard treatment. It is important to have realistic expectations:
- The vaccine is still in the testing phase and not freely available
- The effectiveness is proven but limited as monotherapy
- It is not a replacement for existing treatments such as escharotic treatment or the LEEP procedure
In the meantime, effective treatment options are certainly available. At HPV Health, we combine strengthening the immune system with targeted local treatment. The principle is similar to what the therapeutic vaccine aims for: activating the immune system to clear HPV and destroy dysplastic cells containing the HPV virus.
Want to know more about HPV treatment options?
The therapeutic vaccine is still in development, but effective treatments are already available now. Read more about our approach or contact us for a no-obligation consultation.
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