WANTAI BIOLOGICAL(SH:603392) Zheng Quan Ri Bao·2025-06-05 16:40Core Viewpoint - The approval of the first domestically produced nine-valent HPV vaccine by Wantai Biological Pharmacy is expected to disrupt the market dominance previously held by Merck's Gardasil 9, enhancing the company's competitive edge and product line [2][4]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - The nine-valent HPV vaccine, named "Xinkening 9," is approved for use in females aged 9 to 45, with different dosing schedules based on age [2][4]. - Currently, there are six HPV vaccines available in the domestic market, including two-valent and four-valent vaccines from GSK and Merck, as well as two-valent vaccines from Watson Bio and Wantai Biological [3][4]. - Merck's Gardasil 9 has maintained a monopoly in the market since its approval in 2018, with an estimated issuance of approximately 31.14 million doses in 2024 [3]. Group 2: Competitive Landscape - The introduction of Wantai's nine-valent HPV vaccine may accelerate market changes, as domestic vaccine companies are rapidly advancing through technological upgrades and product iterations [4]. - Analysts suggest that the pricing of Wantai's nine-valent HPV vaccine will be a focal point, with expectations of a potential price war due to the lower production costs and high capacity of domestic vaccines [4][5]. - Other domestic companies, such as Yunnan Watson Bio, are also progressing in the development of nine-valent HPV vaccines, indicating a competitive environment [4][5]. Group 3: Low-Cost Vaccine Market - The approval of Wantai's nine-valent HPV vaccine raises questions about the future of low-cost HPV vaccines, which are still relevant for price-sensitive populations [5][6]. - Companies like Kanglao Weishi are also entering the market with a three-valent HPV vaccine aimed at cost-sensitive consumers, indicating a strategy to capture both government procurement and self-pay markets [5]. - The low-cost vaccines are expected to maintain their market position in economically underdeveloped regions, serving as a complement to higher-priced vaccines [5][6].