In a significant step toward combating dengue, India has commenced its first Phase III clinical trial for an indigenous dengue vaccine named “DengiAll.” Developed by Panacea Biotech, this vaccine is designed to protect against all four serotypes of the dengue virus, marking a crucial advancement in the country’s efforts to tackle the pervasive disease. The trial was launched on Wednesday, with the first dose administered at Pandit Bhagwat Dayal Sharma Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (PGIMS) in Rohtak.
Comprehensive Trial Across India
The Phase III trial is expansive, covering 19 sites across 18 states and Union Territories. Over the next two years, it will monitor 10,335 healthy adults to evaluate the vaccine’s efficacy and safety. This extensive trial is primarily funded by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), with Panacea Biotech also contributing to the costs. The trial represents a collaborative effort between the Indian government and the private sector, emphasizing the importance of public health in India’s national agenda.
Innovative Vaccine Technology
The DengiAll vaccine utilizes live, weakened versions of all four dengue serotypes, a complex and innovative approach that addresses the challenge of dengue’s multiple serotypes. These weakened viruses were developed by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) in the United States. The NIAID’s technology involved deleting parts of the genetic code from three dengue serotypes (DENV1, DENV3, and DENV4) and then genetically engineering these onto a DENV2 backbone. This technology was crucial in overcoming one of the significant hurdles in dengue vaccine development—ensuring protection across all four serotypes without increasing the risk of severe disease.
Addressing Challenges in Dengue Vaccination
Developing a dengue vaccine has been notoriously challenging due to the virus’s ability to infect individuals multiple times, with each serotype offering little protection against the others. This can lead to antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE), where a person with low levels of antibodies against one serotype may experience a more severe infection when exposed to another. The issue of ADE has been central to controversies surrounding earlier dengue vaccines. The DengiAll trial is, therefore, a critical step in ensuring that India’s vaccine not only provides broad protection but does so safely.
India’s Growing Vaccine Capabilities
The launch of this trial underscores India’s growing capabilities in vaccine research and development. Union Health Minister JP Nadda highlighted this achievement as a testament to India’s commitment to protecting its citizens from dengue. As the trial progresses, it will serve as a pivotal moment in India’s public health efforts, potentially paving the way for a widely accessible and effective dengue vaccine in the near future.
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