HPV is small double-stranded DNA virus with more than 200 variations or genome types. It is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the US with more than 5.5 million cases reported each year.

An estimated 20 million Americans are currently infected with HPV. Nearly 80% of sexually active adults will acquire a genital HPV infection by the time they reach 50 years old - though most of these clear naturally within a year. The two most common genome types - HPV 16 and 18 - cause more than 70% of cervical cancers.

Though a breakthrough vaccine offers new hope in preventing high-risk HPV genome types, it's not enough. Treatments are needed to combat the other HPV strains, for those already infected and for those who won't receive the vaccine.

An effective treatment for HPV can change the course of human health.