Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent announcement by the National Health Commission of China to include HPV vaccines in the national immunization program, which is expected to boost the performance of HPV vaccine manufacturers struggling with declining sales and profits [3][4]. Group 1: Market Performance of HPV Vaccine Companies - HPV vaccine stocks in the A-share market saw a rise, with notable increases in companies like Kangla Weishi (3.09%), Wantai Biological (2.69%), Zhifei Biological (1.98%), and Watson Bio (1.71%) [3]. - The HPV vaccine market in China has become increasingly competitive, leading to a price war and a decline in public willingness to get vaccinated, which has negatively impacted sales [6][7]. - For instance, Wantai Biological reported a revenue of 844 million yuan, down 38.25% year-on-year, and a net loss of 144 million yuan [7]. Watson Bio's revenue was 1.154 billion yuan, down 19.47%, with a net profit decline of 74.69% [7]. Zhifei Biological's revenue fell to 4.919 billion yuan, down 73.06%, with a net loss of 597 million yuan [7]. Group 2: HPV Vaccine Market Dynamics - The HPV vaccine market in China has seen a total of six listed vaccines, including three bivalent, one quadrivalent, and two nonavalent vaccines [5][6]. - The initial demand for HPV vaccines was high, but the market has cooled due to increased competition and limited public awareness and financial capability [6]. - The World Health Organization recommends that countries include HPV vaccination in their national immunization programs, prioritizing girls aged 9 to 14 [9]. As of the end of 2024, 143 out of 194 WHO member countries have included HPV vaccines in their national programs [9]. Group 3: Future Prospects of HPV Vaccines in China - The inclusion of HPV vaccines in the national immunization program is seen as timely due to sufficient supply and decreasing prices, with the lowest bid for HPV vaccines currently at 27.5 yuan per dose [11]. - Industry insiders suggest that the bivalent HPV vaccine is likely to be included in the national immunization program, which would stabilize prices and increase sales volume [11]. - Although profit margins may be lower under the national program, they could still be higher than those under local immunization programs, where competition is more intense [11].

Core Viewpoint - The transparency and scientific basis of China's immunization policy are expected to improve with the recent adjustments to the National Immunization Planning Expert Advisory Committee, which has expanded its membership and publicly disclosed its members for the first time since its establishment in 2017 [3][4]. Group 1: Expert Committee Adjustments - The National Immunization Planning Expert Advisory Committee has been expanded from 27 to 30 members, with a diverse range of experts from fields such as epidemiology, clinical medicine, and immunology [3][5]. - The new committee's term remains three years, and the updated regulations emphasize that committee members must not have direct interests with vaccine license holders to ensure decision-making independence [4][6]. Group 2: Committee's Role and Responsibilities - The core function of the committee is to provide evidence-based recommendations on vaccine usage and immunization strategies, including the introduction and adjustment of vaccines, immunization strategy optimization, and cost-effectiveness evaluations [5][6]. - The inclusion of experts from the fiscal and taxation fields in the new committee is significant, as it relates to health equity and public financial expenditure [5]. Group 3: Expert Profiles - The committee is chaired by Wang Junzhi, an academician with extensive experience in vaccine regulation and bio-products [6]. - Notable members include academicians Gao Fu and Xia Ning Shao, who have significant contributions to vaccine development and public health [6]. Group 4: Future Recommendations - Public health scholars suggest that the committee should adopt international best practices by establishing a regular information release system to enhance transparency and reduce vaccine hesitancy, ultimately improving national immunization coverage [7].

Core Viewpoint - The HPV vaccine is likely to be included in China's national immunization program by the end of the year, marking the first addition since 2008 and a significant policy shift after 17 years of stagnation [1][5][20]. Group 1: Current Status of HPV Vaccine - The technical assessment for including the HPV vaccine in the national immunization program has been completed, and it is currently in the inter-departmental negotiation and policy preparation stage [1][6]. - Since 2016, various types of HPV vaccines have been approved and used in China, with 16 provinces starting free or subsidized vaccination programs for girls aged 9 to 14 as of 2023, achieving over 90% coverage in some cities [2][3]. - Despite its availability, the HPV vaccine remains outside the national immunization program, leading to significant regional disparities in coverage, which is heavily reliant on local funding and public awareness [2][3]. Group 2: Historical Context and Challenges - Since the inclusion of the second dose of hepatitis A and B vaccines in 2008, no new vaccines have been added to China's national immunization program, despite many vaccines being recommended internationally [3][8]. - The lack of a systematic evaluation and transformation mechanism has contributed to this stagnation, with the National Immunization Technical Advisory Group (NIAC) established in 2017 still in its early stages and not fully operational [9][10]. Group 3: Recent Developments and Future Directions - Recent signals from the national level indicate a gradual expansion of the immunization program, with the NIAC emphasizing the need to narrow the gap between domestic and international immunization standards [5][21]. - The HPV vaccine is seen as a strong candidate for early inclusion due to its high disease burden and existing pilot programs [5][13]. - The establishment of a predictable mechanism for new vaccine inclusion is crucial, with recommendations for regular review processes, resource allocation, and inter-departmental coordination [15][16][19]. Group 4: Implications of Inclusion - The potential inclusion of the HPV vaccine could signify a broader restart of the immunization planning mechanism in China, addressing long-standing gaps in vaccine policy [7][20]. - The current discussions around the operational mechanisms, inter-departmental collaboration, and financial support are critical for the successful implementation of new vaccines into the national program [21][22].