The first indigenous dengue vaccine may be available by December 2026, with trials in the final stages at 19 institutions, including KGMU.:Phase-3 trial of indigenous dengue vaccine 'Dengial' in final stage.

News Topical, Digital Desk : Great hope has arisen for relief from dengue in the country. The Phase 3 clinical trial of India's first indigenous dengue vaccine, "Dengial," has reached its final stage.

The trials have been conducted at 19 major medical institutions across the country, including King George's Medical University (KGMU). According to experts, the results of the Phase 3 trial will pave the way for the vaccine's availability.

Amid the growing threat of dengue, this vaccine could prove to be a major relief for India. All eyes are now on the final results of the Phase 3 trial, which will determine when this powerful weapon against dengue will be available. This vaccine has been developed by the country's leading pharmaceutical company, Panacea Biotech, in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

According to KGMU spokesperson Prof KK Singh, it is a tetravalent (effective against all four types of dengue virus) and single dose vaccine, which makes it different from others.

This vaccine is capable of developing immunity against all four serotypes of dengue virus (DENV-1, 2, 3, 4), which has been the biggest challenge so far.

Prof. Singh said that the Phase III trial began in August 2024, involving a total of over 10,000 healthy adults at 19 medical institutions across the country.

KGMU was also given responsibility for this. Participants were divided into vaccine and placebo (dummy dose). The trial was thoroughly planned and controlled. Enrollment of all healthy adults was completed by the end of 2025. At our institute, the trial included over 300 adults.

The participation of an institution like KGMU has bolstered the trial's scientific strength. The results are encouraging. More than 200 people participated in the trial, and the report has been sent to ICMR.

Final data is expected by October. Based on the report, the drug will be available in medical institutions after approval by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI).

Why is the dengue vaccine necessary?

Prof. D. Himanshu, head of the infectious diseases department at KGMU and the one overseeing the vaccine trials, says that dengue cases in India rise sharply every year during the monsoon season.