MSD has announced the commencement of the MOBILISE-1 Phase 3 clinical trial in Singapore to assess the safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy of V181, a single-dose investigational vaccine for dengue. This trial marks a significant step in MSD’s clinical development programme, targeting all four dengue virus serotypes, irrespective of prior exposure. Recruitment has begun, with the first participants enrolling in Singapore.
The trial is crucial as dengue poses a serious public health threat, affecting nearly half of the world’s population. Dr. Paula Annunziato, senior vice president of infectious diseases and vaccines at MSD Research Laboratories, highlighted the importance of this milestone, stating, “If successful, V181 could provide an important single-dose option for at-risk populations.”
The study will involve approximately 12,000 healthy individuals aged 2 to 17 across more than 30 sites in dengue-endemic regions, including Southeast Asian countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. The primary focus is on the vaccine’s safety and efficacy in preventing symptomatic virologically confirmed dengue.
Dr. Abdullahi Sheriff, Managing Director of MSD in Singapore, Malaysia, and Brunei, expressed gratitude towards Singapore’s scientific community for their partnership. He emphasised the trial’s significance in addressing the unmet healthcare needs in dengue-prone areas.
The trial’s progress is promising, with Singapore’s robust clinical research infrastructure providing an ideal environment for such pivotal studies. Dr. Zhong Youjia from the National University Hospital noted that V181 could significantly enhance dengue prevention, especially among children.
MSD’s commitment to combating dengue extends globally, with plans for further trials in regions where the disease is prevalent. The outcome of this trial could potentially transform dengue prevention strategies worldwide.
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