SII and DNDi Join Forces to Develop Groundbreaking Dengue Treatment for LMICs
The Serum Institute of India (SII) has signed a landmark memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) to advance the development of an affordable monoclonal antibody treatment for dengue, a rapidly spreading and climate-sensitive disease that still lacks a specific treatment. The collaboration aims to accelerate R&D and ensure access in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), with clinical trials to be conducted in countries such as India, Brazil, Thailand, and Malaysia.
Dengue affects 3.9 billion people globally, and its cases have more than doubled annually since 2021, largely due to climate change and urbanization. Despite its burden, no antiviral treatment exists, and current healthcare systems often become overwhelmed during outbreaks.
Key Highlights of the Partnership:
- SII, the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer, brings its expertise in clinical development and large-scale manufacturing.
- DNDi, a nonprofit medical research organization, will lead additional Phase III trials in Brazil and other endemic countries.
- The monoclonal antibody candidate (formerly VIS513) has already shown promising safety and efficacy in pre-clinical, Phase I, and II trials.
- The partnership will also involve regulatory strategy, policy advocacy, and strategic engagement with Dengue Alliance and health authorities.
“We are proud to partner with SII to ensure people most at risk have timely and equitable access to life-saving treatment,” said Dr. André Siqueira, Head of Dengue at DNDi.
“India reports tens of thousands of dengue cases every year, and it’s spreading into newer states,” noted Dr. Kavita Singh, Asia Director, DNDi.
“This collaboration will be instrumental in reducing the burden of dengue and saving lives in vulnerable communities,” said Dr. Prasad Kulkarni, Executive Director, SII.
SII will provide technical support, manufacture the antibody candidate, and lead regulatory submissions and commercialization in India. The DNDi-led Phase III trials aim to support licensure and access in other dengue-endemic LMICs.
This partnership is aligned with the mission of the Dengue Alliance, a global coalition launched in 2022 to address the urgent need for accessible and effective dengue treatments.
About the Partners
Serum Institute of India (SII) – A global leader in vaccine production, SII has helped save over 30 million lives and operates in more than 170 countries.
Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) – A non-profit research organization dedicated to developing new treatments for neglected diseases, including dengue.
Explore more
🎤 Career – Real career stories and job profiles of life science professionals. Discover current opportunities for students and researchers.
💼 Jobs – The latest job openings and internship alerts across academia and industry.
📢 Advertise with BioPatrika – Reach the Right Audience, Fast!
🛠️ Services – Regulatory support, patent filing assistance, and career consulting services.
