Shortage of HPV anti-cancer drug Gardasil in Hong Kong prompts protest outside Merck offices in Causeway Bay
Group of women call on US company to increase supply of cancer drug but firm says local clinics have been treating too many patients
After months of unhappiness over a shortage of the HPV vaccine Gardasil 9 in Hong Kong, a group of women took their protests to the offices of the drug’s maker in Causeway Bay on Friday.
Wearing face masks and carrying two large banners, about 20 protesters, most of whom were from the mainland, arrived at the office of US drug company Merck, which is known as MSD outside America, to urge the firm to increase its supply of the human papillomavirus vaccine.
However, MSD said it had warned the city’s clinics about eight months ago that there was a supply issue, after a disruption in the production line. Gardasil 9 treatment can prevent cervical and other cancers.
The makers said that despite a course of treatment requiring three injections, some clinics had not been stockpiling the drug, instead taking on extra patients and giving more women just one or two jabs.
“We have been urging local doctors to reserve enough shots for existing patients to finish their courses,” a spokeswoman said. “But we cannot control the business decision of the private clinics.”