Dengue treatment will be available in 2-3 years, but case numbers will increase with climate change

NEW DELHI: India’s hospitals could see a targeted dengue treatment within the next two to three years if ongoing trials are successful, even as experts warn that climate change could lead to a sharp rise in cases over the next decade. As monsoon approaches, a period that typically triggers a surge in infections, health experts say the disease is no longer seasonal and is spreading across regions due to rapid urbanization and changing weather patterns. Despite its growing burden, dengue still has no specific approved treatment. Currently, patients are managed with supportive care, highlighting significant gaps in the healthcare response. At a high-level meeting in Delhi attended by global and Indian stakeholders including the World Health Organization, ICMR, NITI Aayog and industry leaders, experts emphasized that closing this treatment gap is a top priority now. The Dengue Alliance, a coalition of countries including India, Brazil, Malaysia and Thailand, is pushing to accelerate the development of treatments and improve access to treatments. Several drug candidates, including antiviral drugs and monoclonal antibodies, are currently undergoing advanced clinical trials, Dr Sanjay Sarin, Asia head and South Asia director of DNDi (Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative) told TOI. In India, institutions such as the Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI) and ICMR are supporting research, while the Serum Institute is conducting phase 3 trials of a monoclonal antibody treatment for dengue. At the same time, policymakers are focusing on building climate-resilient health systems. NITI Aayog member VK Paul said ecological changes due to climate change will significantly change the pattern of vector-borne diseases like dengue fever, so preparedness at all levels of healthcare is crucial. Current efforts include strengthening fever surveillance, improving early detection, and upgrading case processing capabilities at regional hospitals, community health centers, and medical schools. Mosquito control measures and prevention strategies remain at the core of the response. Experts also stressed the need for “decisive solutions”, particularly vaccines and treatments. “While some vaccines are already available globally and more are in development – including the Indian candidate – access and pricing remain key issues,” Salling said. With more than 280,000 dengue cases reported in India in 2023, and with surveillance deficiencies likely leading to under-reporting, the urgency is clear. If the current research efforts are successful, the next few years may mark a shift from symptom-based management to targeted treatments. Until then, dengue remains a growing threat and there is no cure.