In recent developments, two prominent Indian drug manufacturers, Serum Institute of India and Panacea Biotec, have taken significant steps towards the development of India’s first vaccine against dengue. These companies have applied to the Indian Council of Medical Research’s (ICMR) call for ‘Expression of Interest’ for collaborative Phase-III clinical trials for indigenous manufacturers. This essay explores the key details of this development, the characteristics desired in a dengue vaccine, and the urgent need for such a vaccine due to the global incidence of dengue.
Developing India’s First Dengue Vaccine
The Serum Institute of India and Panacea Biotec have submitted applications for collaborative Phase-III clinical trials to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Phase-III clinical trials evaluate the efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity of the tetravalent dengue vaccine. This collaborative effort represents a significant milestone in the pursuit of an indigenous dengue vaccine.
Desirable Characteristics of a Dengue Vaccine
To combat the challenges posed by dengue, an ideal vaccine should possess the following characteristics:
- Acceptable short and long-term safety profile, without causing antibody dependent enhancement.
- Induction of protection against all four serotypes of dengue.
- Reduction in the risk of severe diseases and deaths associated with dengue.
- Induction of a sustained immune response and effectiveness, regardless of the individual’s previous sero-status and age.
The Global Incidence of Dengue and its Risks
- Growing global incidence: Dengue has experienced a dramatic increase in global incidence, with approximately half of the world’s population now at risk.
- WHO’s recognition: The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified dengue as one of the top ten global health threats in 2019.
- Lack of specific treatment: Currently, there is no specific treatment available for dengue or severe dengue. This highlights the urgent need for the development of effective dengue vaccines.
Important Points:
- Serum Institute of India and Panacea Biotec are developing India’s first dengue vaccine. 💉
- They have applied for collaborative Phase-III clinical trials for indigenous manufacturers. 📝
- Phase-III clinical trial evaluates efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity of the tetravalent dengue vaccine. 🧪
- Desirable characteristics of a dengue vaccine include:
- Acceptable short and long-term safety profile (no antibody dependent enhancement). 👍
- Protection against all four serotypes of dengue. 🛡️
- Reduction in the risk of severe diseases and deaths. ⚠️
- Sustained immune response and effectiveness regardless of sero-status and age. 🌟
- Dengue poses significant risks globally:
- Dengue incidence has dramatically increased, with half of the world’s population at risk. 🌍
- The World Health Organization (WHO) identified dengue as a top ten global health threat in 2019. 🆘
- No specific treatment currently exists for dengue/severe dengue. ❌
- Urgent need for effective dengue vaccines:
- To address the growing global incidence of dengue. 📈
- To mitigate the risks associated with severe diseases and deaths caused by dengue. ⚡
- Collaboration between Serum Institute of India and Panacea Biotec for Phase-III clinical trials represents a significant milestone in developing India’s first dengue vaccine. 🤝
- The desired characteristics of a dengue vaccine emphasize the importance of safety, protection against all serotypes, and effectiveness in all age groups and sero-status. 💪
- The ongoing research and development provide hope for a future where dengue can be effectively prevented and controlled through immunization. 🌈
Why In News
In a recent development, the Serum Institute of India and Panacea Biotec, two renowned Indian pharmaceutical companies, have shown great progress in the development of India’s first dengue vaccine. To further their efforts, both companies have submitted their applications to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in response to the ‘Expression of Interest’ for collaborative Phase-III clinical trials aimed at indigenous manufacturers.
MCQs about Progress Towards India’s First Dengue Vaccine
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What is the primary objective of the Phase-III clinical trials?
A. To evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of the dengue vaccine.
B. To assess the long-term effectiveness of the dengue vaccine.
C. To determine the optimal dosage of the dengue vaccine.
D. To identify potential adverse effects of the dengue vaccine.
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What is one of the desirable characteristics of an effective dengue vaccine ?
A. Inducing a sustained immune response regardless of age.
B. Targeting a specific serotype of the dengue virus.
C. Eliminating the need for booster shots.
D. Providing immediate relief from dengue symptoms.
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why is the development of a dengue vaccine considered urgent?
A. There is a high incidence of dengue worldwide.
B. Dengue is classified as a top global health threat by WHO.
C. Current treatment options for dengue are limited.
D. Both A and B are correct.
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