GlaxoSmithKline has been awarded the patent for cervical-cancer vaccines. This will allow the pharmaceutical giant to directly compete with Merck who is already producing a drug that is said to prevent cervical cancer.

Financial experts believe that with two companies producing a similar vaccine, global earnings for both will be extraordinary. Merck is planning on filing for FDA approval of its vaccine in the latter part of 2005. GSK expects to file for approval in Europe in 2006, and will submit an application for approval with the FDA by later that year or early in 2007.

The vaccine can be administered to women between 15 and 55 and protects against the human papilloma virus. Estimates are that more than 400 million women fall within this age group worldwide, leaving plenty of room for profit for both companies.