Overview

Three early-stage projects will improve our understanding of dengue and contribute towards providing new treatments and preventing the spread of the viral disease.  

Over the past 2 decades, there has been a tenfold increase in reported cases of dengue virus. 2024 has been the worst year for dengue cases on record, with 3 times more suspected cases in 2024 than 2023. Without further investment in this type of research, dengue and other mosquito-borne viruses will continue to affect more of the global population.  

About the projects

These projects are based in India, one of the countries most severely affected by dengue outbreaks, and Australia, where the risk of future outbreaks is high.  

We have contributed over £170,000 to the India Institute of Technology Roorkee to explore new treatment approaches to dengue virus. Their research aims to identify novel antibodies that can improve drug delivery to infected cells.  

Also in India, we have provided a grant to the start-up company Tranalab to expand their targeted drug-delivery technology platform for creating therapeutic options against dengue. Their research efforts could increase the effectiveness of antivirals while decreasing side effects.   

In Australia, The Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute (BDI) has received over £164,000 from us to test patient samples and identify new biomarkers which might help to predict the severity of disease outcomes for patients. 

About dengue

Dengue is currently the most rapidly spreading mosquito-borne viral infection, with half of the world’s population at risk of infection. Outbreaks are increasing and there have been recent warnings from the World Health Organisation (WHO) about dengue spreading to new areas across Europe and the Americas due to climate change, rapid urbanisation, and widespread international travel. 

The warmer and wetter conditions caused by climate change have increased the burden of dengue in endemic countries and its spread to new geographies where cases have historically been low. 

While many people have mild symptoms, the disease can be severe, leading to internal bleeding and organ failure. Currently, there is no specific treatment for dengue, and survival depends on close clinical monitoring and supportive care.  

In endemic countries, outbreaks can overwhelm healthcare systems and inflict massive economic burdens. WHO has set a target of eliminating all global deaths from the disease by 2030, and it has warned of an upsurge in cases and deaths unless urgent action is taken.