SII and DNDi Join Forces to Advance Dengue Treatment Trials

Quick Summary

• collaboration: Pune-based Serum Institute of India (SII) and Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) are partnering to develop affordable monoclonal antibody (mab) treatment for dengue, targeting low- and middle-income countries.
• Clinical Progress: SII has already conducted pre-clinical studies and Phase I/II trials. India’s CDSCO recommended Phase III trials with larger patient groups to assess safety and efficacy before approval.
• Goals: The collaboration aims to implement additional research, conduct Phase III clinical trials, register the mab treatment in dengue-endemic regions like India, Brazil, and Southeast Asia, and ensure affordability.
• Disease Impact: Dengue affects 3.9 billion people globally. Cases have doubled since 2021 due to urbanisation and climate change. India experiences tens of thousands of cases annually with outbreaks occurring every two-three years across various states.
• Significance of treatment: As no specific treatments for dengue exist currently, therapeutics preventing severity could reduce mortality rates and lessen the burden on healthcare systems during outbreaks.

Indian Opinion Analysis

SII’s collaboration with DNDi signals progress in addressing a global health crisis exacerbated by climate change. With billions at risk from an illness that lacks dedicated treatment options or prevention measures for severe cases, investments into therapies like monoclonal antibodies could significantly improve disease management while alleviating economic strain in affected nations.

For India specifically, this partnership aligns with it’s growing need for innovative solutions amid increasing dengue outbreaks across newer regions-highlighting how urbanisation is altering disease patterns alongside climate-induced vulnerabilities. If the drug passes Phase III testing successfully, accessible pricing strategies emphasized under this collaboration will be critical in reaching vulnerable populations without straining public health budgets.

The emphasis on international testing indicates broader implications beyond Indian borders but also strengthens India’s position as a key player in drug innovation tackling tropical diseases globally.

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