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The Serum Institute of India (SII), Pune, has partnered with an international medical research organization to fast-track a potential treatment for dengue, a disease that affects millions but still doesn’t have a direct cure. This development could mark a major shift in how dengue is managed in India and other endemic countries.
What’s the New Development
On June 13, Serum Institute and the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) announced their collaboration to work on a low-cost dengue antibody that can reach more people, known earlier as VIS513 or Dengueshield. The plan includes designing a roadmap for completing late-stage clinical trials, raising necessary funding, and figuring out how the treatment can be made accessible in dengue-hit regions.
They will also form a joint team to oversee clinical advancement, regulatory plans, and deployment in India and beyond, as long as upcoming trial data confirms its safety and effectiveness.
Why This Is Important
Dengue has been a growing public health challenge, especially in tropical countries like India. It’s transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes and can range from a mild fever to severe illness and even death. Nearly 3.9 billion people are at risk globally, and cases have more than doubled each year since 2021.
India is among the top 30 countries with the highest dengue burden. According to government estimates, children are especially vulnerable, with significantly higher risks of hospitalization and mortality in clinically apparent cases.
“India reports tens of thousands of dengue cases every year, with outbreaks occurring every two to three years in different states,” said Dr Kavita Singh, the Asia Continental Lead & Director South Asia, DNDi. What is deeply concerning is that dengue is no longer confined to historically endemic regions but is rapidly expanding into newer states, she added.
Despite the scale of the problem, there’s still no approved treatment. Most patients receive only supportive care, like hydration and symptom control. For severe cases, the lack of a targeted drug leaves doctors with limited options. That’s where this antibody therapy could change things.
The lack of specific antivirals limits our ability to prevent disease progression, especially in severe cases. If an effective antiviral existed, it could potentially reduce hospitalizations, lower the risk of long-term health issues, and ultimately save more lives.
Dr Manisha Arora, Director, Internal medicine, C K Birla Hospital, Delhi
What Are the Next Steps
The antibody was originally developed by a U.S.-based firm and is now licensed to the Serum Institute. After successful Phase I and II trials in India, a larger Phase III trial is already underway. If results stay promising, the treatment could be rolled out to other countries with high dengue burden, such as Thailand, Brazil, and Malaysia.
As per available information, this monoclonal antibody has shown efficacy against all four dengue virus strains, with no serious adverse events reported. Results from a Phase I clinical trial involving 40 participants in India, published in The Lancet, showed the drug was safe and effective in early testing.
Other Developments in the Works
SII and DNDi aren’t the only ones working on a dengue treatment. A second monoclonal antibody, AV-1, is being developed by the U.S.-based AbViro and is undergoing safety and efficacy trials in multiple countries.
In addition, a dengue vaccine developed by Japanese pharmaceutical company Takeda—already approved in some countries—is undergoing local trials in India to assess safety and effectiveness for regulatory approval here.
Why It Matters
Dengue isn’t just spreading—it’s also getting more serious. India sees outbreaks every few years, and children often end up being the worst affected. A treatment that works for all strains and can be made affordable might really help bring down complications and hospital cases. With rising temperatures, the need for something that directly targets dengue is only growing.
(Input From Various Sources)
(Rehash/Pooja Bansal/MSM)
