India’s first indigenous Dengue vaccine begins pivotal phase 3 Trial

In a landmark development for public health in India, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Panacea Biotec have commenced the Phase 3 clinical trial of DengiAll, the country’s first indigenous tetravalent dengue vaccine. This pivotal trial will assess the vaccine’s efficacy in preventing dengue, a disease that poses a significant health threat in India, particularly with all four serotypes of the virus circulating across various regions.

The trial, conducted across 19 sites in 18 states and union territories, involves more than 10,000 healthy adult participants and is expected to follow up with them for two years. The vaccine, developed using strains originally created by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the USA, has shown promising results in earlier phases of clinical testing. Panacea Biotec, one of three Indian companies to work on these strains, has advanced the furthest, developing a full-fledged vaccine formulation and securing a process patent for its work.

Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare, J.P. Nadda, hailed the trial as a critical step forward in India’s battle against dengue, emphasizing that it showcases the country’s growing capabilities in vaccine research and development. He also noted that this collaboration between ICMR and Panacea Biotec reinforces the government’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, particularly in the healthcare sector.

The development of an effective dengue vaccine is crucial as there is currently no licensed vaccine available in India, and the disease continues to cause significant morbidity and mortality. The success of this trial could pave the way for widespread vaccination and potentially reduce the burden of dengue, particularly in regions where the disease is endemic. This initiative is not only a stride towards protecting public health but also a testament to India’s commitment to self-reliance in critical health technologies.