[link|http://www.australianoftheyear.gov.au/bioIF.asp|http://www.australia....gov.au/bioIF.asp]

Professor Ian Frazer
2006 Australian of the Year

"Professor Ian Frazer founded and leads the University of Queensland's Centre for Immunology and cancer research. For 20 years he has been researching the link between papilloma viruses and cancer, seeking ways to treat these viruses in order to reduce the incidence of cancer. Ian has now developed vaccines to prevent and to treat cervical cancer, which affects 500,000 women each year. A vaccine based on his research has shown in worldwide trials to prevent papilloma virus infection and reduce Pap smear abnormalities by 90%. It has the potential to virtually eradicate cervical cancer within a generation. Expected to be on the market within a year, this vaccine will revolutionise women's health across the globe."

I hear he actually mortgaged his house to provide some necessary funding to keep the project going...

Anyhow, it's coming along nicely:

[link|http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/05/18/health/main1628221.shtml|http://www.cbsnews.c...main1628221.shtml]

Panel OKs Cervical Cancer Vaccine
FDA Committee Votes 13-0 To Endorse Merck Drug; Approval In June Likely

Let's hope for the best.