New Delhi is buzzing with news about a promising dengue vaccine. As cases of this mosquito-borne disease soar globally, a candidate called DengiAll is now in the final testing phase. This vaccine could potentially be one of the first single-dose shots against dengue.
Dengue, which can cause severe flu-like symptoms and body aches, is spreading rapidly. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that nearly half of the global population is at risk, with 100 to 400 million infections each year. In India, over one million cases have been reported since 2021, resulting in at least 1,500 deaths.
Panacea Biotec, the company behind DengiAll, has been working on this vaccine for almost 15 years. They are now conducting Phase III trials involving more than 10,000 volunteers across India. Results from these studies could see the vaccine available as early as next year if outcomes are positive.
Dr. Ekta Gupta, a clinical virology expert, notes that dengue is hyperendemic in India, meaning all four strains of the virus are currently circulating. “This vaccine is crucial for controlling dengue cases,” she says. It’s especially important as climate change contributes to the conditions that allow Aedes mosquitoes, the carriers of dengue, to thrive. Rising temperatures and irregular rainfall patterns boost mosquito populations, leading to increased outbreaks.
Children are among the most affected, suffering more severe forms of the disease. The Phase III trials, which began in 2024, involve random assignments to either the vaccine or a placebo. Experts believe DengiAll could significantly reduce the severity of infections.
Currently, vaccines for all four dengue strains are difficult to develop, as immunity to one does not guarantee protection against the others. Many existing options require multiple doses. If DengiAll is approved, it will likely be the first single-dose vaccine available in India, following a similar shot approved in Brazil last year.
Syed Khalid Ali, the chief scientific officer at Panacea, emphasizes the urgency: “We’ll do our best to get this vaccine out quickly.” The candidate is based on a strain developed by the US National Institutes of Health, making it a critical part of the fight against dengue.
Dr. Priyanka Priyadarsiny, who oversees research at Panacea, highlights the meticulous process of vaccine development, ensuring purity and safety. At present, the WHO only endorses one dengue vaccine for children in high-risk areas. DengiAll aims to provide long-term protection for a wider age range, from children to adults.
Experts emphasize that a successful vaccine produced in India could lead to affordable options for lower-income countries. However, virologist Shahid Jameel warns that if climate change continues on its current path, dengue cases could increase by 50–75% by 2050. While there’s hope for DengiAll, Jameel reminds us that the future depends on the trial results.
In summary, DengiAll could be a game-changer in the fight against dengue if it meets safety and efficacy standards. The world is watching closely as we await the trial outcomes.
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