GlaxoSmithKline plans to undercut its rival Merck in a battle for sales following US regulatory approval for its cervical cancer vaccine Cervarix.

The UK-based pharmaceutical group said it would charge less than Gardasil, Merck’s vaccine, which generates more than $1bn (£610m) in annual sales after wide adoption in the US, in a fight that will stress Cervarix’s exclusive concentration on those most at risk.