(Yicai Global) Feb. 7 -- Prices of comprehensive human papillomavirus vaccines in China are rising amid supply shortages as even women at the age of 45 can now buy protection against the common virus that causes cervical cancer.

In a private hospital, the necessary three doses of nine-valent HPV jabs cost between CNY6,000 and CNY7,000 (USD885 to USD1,032), or over CNY2,000 more than a treatment cycle in public hospitals with long waiting times, Yicai Global learned from a clinic in Shanghai. However, in clinics, the packages tend to include bundled services such as Pap smears.

The main reason behind the difference in price is that private hospitals have vaccines in stock whereas clients of public hospitals need to wait for two or three years to get vaccinated, an employee of the same clinic said, citing several customers.

The demand for immunity against the virus that causes cervical cancer, one of the most common cancers among women, has surged after China's medical authorities last year expanded the availability of HPV vaccines from 26-year-olds to women aged as high as 45. Evidently, Yuemiao, a Guangzhou-based WeChat account for HPV inoculation bookings, shows no availability or limited stock.

Most nine-valent HPV vaccines in China are produced by Merck & Co. The domestic distributor of the American drugmaker's products against four and nine types of HPV is Zhifei Biological Products which recently extended its contract with New Jersey-headquartered Merck till 2026.

Domestic medical companies are racing to develop rivaling products. At least the five firms of Health Guard Biotechnology, Wantai Biological Pharmacy Enterprise, Zerun Biotechnology, Bovax Biotechnology, and Recbio Technology are developing nine-valent HPV jabs, Yicai Global learned.

Chinese firms may apply for approvals for pioneering homegrown nine-valent products before 2025, an industry insider said to Yicai Global.

Editors: Shi Yi, Emmi Laine, Xiao Yi