Pawich Sattalerd – stock.adobe.com
At least two clinical trials will be carried out in countries heavily affected by this disease transmitted by the tiger mosquito.
20 million euros, to test the effectiveness of at least two new drugs against dengue fever. This is the investment announced Tuesday by the European Commission, to finance the development of drugs against this disease transmitted to humans by the tiger mosquito, as part of the preparation and response to health emergencies which emerged after the Covid-19 crisis (Hera). There is currently no specific treatment for this disease, only the symptoms are treated (with painkillers and antipyretics)
The project provides for the realization of “two advanced phase clinical trials” in countries heavily affected by dengue, according to a press release from the Medicines for Neglected Diseases (DNDi) initiative, responsible for its implementation. This involves evaluating the effectiveness of at least two drug candidates that have “the potential to become effective, affordable and globally accessible treatments capable of reducing the severity of the infection and helping to limit its transmission”.
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A monoclonal antibody and an antiviral
“One of the drugs that will most likely be tested is the new monoclonal antibody (appelé Dengushield), du Serum Institute of India »a world leader in vaccine manufacturing, told AFP Isabela Ribeiro, director of viral diseases at DNDi, a non-profit medical research organization which notably develops treatments against parasitic infections such as sleeping sickness, leishmaniasis, Chagas disease and river blindness. “The choice of the second drug candidate has not yet been decided, several molecules are being studied. They will be antivirals”she added, emphasizing that the start of the clinical trial is planned for August 2026.
Dengue fever, also called “tropical flu”is spreading rapidly under the effect of climate change and globalization, including in Europe. In mainland France, we are now detecting indigenous cases with 29 cases bitten in the territory (for 1012 imported cases) recorded by Public Health France at the end of October 2025. “Current efforts to combat dengue fever are primarily based on reducing transmission by Aedes mosquitoes”including the tiger mosquito, “as well as on the deployment of vaccines developed in recent years. But vaccination coverage remains low”underlines the press release. The vaccine, however, remains contraindicated in vulnerable populations, and pregnant or breastfeeding women, and cannot be administered to children under 6 years of age or to those who have never contracted the disease.
About half the world’s population is now at risk of dengue fever, with some 100 to 400 million infections occurring each year, according to the World Health Organization. The most common symptoms are high fever, headache, muscle pain, nausea and rash. And if in most cases the disease is benign or even asymptomatic, it can sometimes also be fatal.
