Proceedings of the inaugural symposium on dengue human challenge studies “Challenging the norm: Accelerating dengue countermeasures through human studies”
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: On 12th June 2025, Duke-NUS Medical School, supported by the Global Dengue and Aedes-Transmitted Diseases Consortium (GDAC), hosted a one-day symposium in Singapore titled "Challenging the norm: Accelerating dengue countermeasures through human challenge studies". Comprising sessions on both dengue and other viral infection models, the symposium explored how human challenge studies could address gaps in dengue pathogenesis and immunity to inform vaccine development and application. Keynote speakers highlighted persistent challenges in dengue vaccine development, including incomplete protection across all four dengue viruses, complexities in dengue immunity, and past safety concerns that have influenced regulatory pathways. Case studies from Thailand and Bangladesh illustrated the feasibility and safety of dengue challenge studies in endemic settings. Parallel discussions drew lessons from human infection models of SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory viruses that are directly relevant to expanding the use of dengue human challenge studies. Sessions on public engagement and regulatory frameworks emphasised the importance of trust, transparent communication, and harmonisation in the design, conduct, and acceptance of challenge studies. Overall, the symposium highlighted that human challenge studies, if implemented thoughtfully, can advance dengue vaccine research, accelerate clinical evaluation and regulatory approval of vaccine candidates, and support evidence-based public health strategies to strengthen global dengue control efforts.
Source: PLoS neglected tropical diseases
Authors: Shirin Kalimuddin, Adam T. Waickman, Panisadee Avirutnan, Mohammad Shafiul Alam, Christopher Chiu, Barnaby E. Young, Christopher W. Woods, Petra C. Fay, Sheila K. Pakir, Jo-Anne Manski-Nankervis, Claus Bolte, Andrew Pengilley, Marco Cavaleri, John C.W. Lim, Stephen J. Thomas, Albert I. Ko, Eng Eong Ooi
Institutions: Singapore General Hospital, Duke-NUS Medical School, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Imperial College London, Nanyang Technological University, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, National Centre for Infectious Diseases, Duke University, Wellcome Trust, National Healthcare Group, NHG Polyclinics, University Hospital of Basel, ACT Government, European Medicines Agency, National University of Singapore, Yale University, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,670
Awards: G3468615946, G3644759815, G8153714791
OpenAlex ID: W7119895675