The U.S. scientists are currently testing a new vaccine that protects against infection by nine of the most harmful strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV).

Researchers based at the Gynecologic Cancer Prevention Center in the Medical College of Georgia (MCG) in Augusta, Georgia, USA are testing the vaccine also called nine-valent.

HPV is known for causing cervical cancer and genital warts. The new vaccine competes with the already existing Gardasil, a vaccine approved by the Food and Drug Administration in September 2006. Gardasil protects women against infection by HPV types 16 and 18, which cause almost 70 percent of HPV-related cervical cancers and types 6 and 11, which are responsible for 90 percent of HPV generated genital warts.

"This study will determine the best dose of the new vaccine and whether it is safe, well-tolerated and effective in preventing HPV infection and disease compared with what's already out there," said Dr. Daron Ferris director of the MCG Gynecologic Cancer Prevention Centre.

HPV is an incurable disease and Gardasil is the only preventive treatment on the market, according to Dr. Ferris’ sayings. Treatments for HPV range from topical creams to surgical removal of precancerous lesions.

The new vaccine works by misleading the body to think it has been infected with HPV. This way the body activates an immune response.

"Since the sphere lacks the actual viral DNA on the inside, it cannot cause HPV. But the body is tricked into making antibodies to protect against the real thing," Dr. Ferris explained.

Experts say that the new vaccine is supposed to be so much better than Gardasil. If approved, it is expected to protect against the four HPV strains that Gardasil is currently fighting against and five other strains that also cause cancer.

The researchers said that the current study is open to women who are healthy, not pregnant and have ages between 9 and 26. It is already a fact that most HPV infections happen to girls and women aged between 15 and 25.

Everyone interested in the new vaccine and further information about it can contact directly Dr. Ferris’ office at MCG on 706-721-2535.