Core Viewpoint - Merck's Gardasil®9 has received approval for multiple new indications in China, allowing vaccination for males aged 16-26, marking it as the first and only nine-valent HPV vaccine approved for both males and females in the country, contributing to the goal of cervical cancer elimination [1][2][8] Group 1: Company Overview - Merck is the first company globally to launch the nine-valent HPV vaccine, with over 300 million doses administered across approximately 80 countries, including China, since its initial approval in 2018 [2][5] - The company has a significant presence in China, with its headquarters in Shanghai and research centers in Beijing, indicating its commitment to the Chinese market as part of its global growth strategy [3][7] Group 2: HPV Vaccine Impact - HPV infection is a major public health issue, with about 80% of men and women likely to contract at least one type of HPV in their lifetime, and the vaccine aims to reduce the burden of HPV-related diseases [3][4] - The nine-valent HPV vaccine covers nine types of HPV, including those that cause anal cancer and genital warts, providing a comprehensive preventive measure against HPV-related diseases [4][5] Group 3: Market Potential - The male vaccination indication is expected to significantly increase the number of eligible male recipients in China, with projections estimating a rise from approximately 790,000 in 2025 to 7 million by 2031, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 43.9% [9] - The total eligible male population for HPV vaccination globally is projected to grow from 2.152 billion in 2020 to 2.229 billion by 2025, indicating a substantial market opportunity for HPV vaccines [8][9]