Merck's human papillomavirus vaccine has been approved for men in China, it said on Wednesday, providing the U.S. drugmaker a much-needed boost in a key market where demand has been falling among women.

China’s drug regulator approved Merck & Co.’s blockbuster HPV vaccine for use by men, opening a new untapped market for the US drug giant after a rush among women to get the shot lost steam.

GARDASIL is the first HPV vaccine approved for the prevention of certain HPV-related cancers and diseases in Chinese males

U.S. drugmaker Merck & Co said on Wednesday its human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for men has been approved by China's medical products administration, providing a much-needed boost to the company in a key market.