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For the last week or so pharma news has been full of articles headlining either GlaxoSmithKlein's (NYSE:GSK) Cervarix or Merck's (NYSE:MRK) Gardasil. Both are vying for the bigger share of the potential multi-billion cervical cancer pot.

It started with GlaxoSmithKlein submitting for marketing approval of Cervarix in Japan, switched to Merck donating 3 million doses of Gardasil to developing countries and went back to Glaxo starting sales in Europe and requesting prequalification from WHO for distribution in developing countries. Then we had Merck winning the Prix Galien for best new biotech product and Sanofi Pasteur filing to extend Gardasil treatments in Europe.

Now all this battling is interesting on the heels of other information. First, researchers are now studying the HPV vaccine in boys and some are suggesting mass vaccinations of boys. Secondly, there is new research that suggests that HPV is linked to about half of a certain type of throat tumors. Thirdly, there is a huge push to have all girls vaccinated and a smaller push to have boys included in the vaccination program. Add in that cervical cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths around the world and it's pretty easy to see why these 2 companies are ready to go to media "war" to put their product forefront in the minds of consumers.

For a great article about the background of the HPV vaccine and the cultural implications of mandatory vaccinations check out: Cultural Advocacy and the HPV Vaccine.

And here's an article from McLean's Canada called: Our Girls are not Guinea Pigs and another article with a little more emotion: HPV Vaccine Debate Plagued by Ignorant Opposition.