Cuban scientists began preclinical studies of the vaccine candidate against dengue

Havana, April 3 (RHC) Cuban scientists began preclinical studies with tests of two formulations of the vaccine candidate against dengue, according to a report on Twitter by the Havana Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB).

This institution explained that the future immunogen is in the research-development stage, with a view to determining which variant will be the one that will be carried out in clinical studies.

Experts maintain that this vaccine candidate has a safe technological platform and is based on recombinant proteins. They specify that it is a tetravalent candidate, based on proteins from the four dengue viruses, which are currently being evaluated.

CIGB authorities and researchers assured that if the level of infection by the dengue virus is lowered - that is, the viral load -, severity is avoided, even the symptoms, whether subclinical or light.

Obtaining the vaccine is a complex process, because dengue has four serotypes and it is necessary to immunize against each of them at the same time, for the product to be effective.

In the course of 2023, a new rapid diagnosis system for dengue should be available, in which specialists from the Immunoassay Center work.

In the opinion of Eduardo Martínez, president of the Business Group of Biotechnological and Pharmaceutical Industries (BioCubaFarma), this system would make it possible to determine, upon the appearance of the first symptoms, whether it is dengue or a second infection. "This will serve to apply a differentiated treatment to patients, and avoid the worsening of the disease and death," he said. (Source: Prensa Latina)