Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies, a division of Johnson & Johnson, has unveiled encouraging findings from a Phase 2a human challenge study involving JNJ-1802, an innovative antiviral designed to combat dengue. This antiviral has demonstrated antiviral activity against dengue, specifically DENV-3, in a clinical setting, marking a significant milestone in dengue treatment. Dengue, a mosquito-borne viral disease, affects millions of people globally and is exacerbated by climate change.
JNJ-1802 is the first antiviral to show such efficacy in a clinical trial. The promising results have led to the initiation of a community-based field study, involving 30+ sites across 10 countries, to assess its real-world effectiveness against circulating dengue serotypes.
Dengue fever poses a substantial global health challenge, impacting over 400 million people each year, with thousands of deaths and many more undiagnosed cases. Climate change has extended the dengue infection season and expanded the mosquito’s range, leading to severe outbreaks in countries such as Bolivia, Peru, and Bangladesh.
Janssen’s antiviral research is a crucial response to this growing threat. The study demonstrated dose-dependent antiviral effects of JNJ-1802, showing reduced detectability of DENV-3 RNA and a delay in its onset compared to a placebo. These positive results are building on earlier studies involving non-human primates, mice, and a Phase 1 clinical trial, all indicating the antiviral’s safety and efficacy.
Janssen has been actively investing in dengue research and is collaborating with partners such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to advance this breakthrough. Dengue antivirals are particularly vital due to the limitations of available vaccines and the need for diverse prevention methods.
The ongoing battle against dengue requires a multifaceted approach, and Janssen’s dedication to finding solutions to this devastating disease demonstrates its commitment to global health. The development of JNJ-1802 represents a significant step toward combating dengue and its expanding impact on public health due to climate change.
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