How does it work and when is it available?

The vaccine uses attenuated viruses, a weakened version of the dengue virus. They maintain their characteristics, but are almost unable to multiply in the body. This means they do not cause disease, but are sufficient to stimulate the immune system.

Upon entering the body, the attenuated virus provokes two essential responses. The production of antibodies, which recognize and fight the virus, and immunological memory, which “stores” information and quickly activates defenses when the person comes into contact with the real virus. This guarantees long-lasting protection.

The strains used in Butantan-DV were genetically modified to reduce replication capacity. They are then cultivated in Vero cells, purified, formulated and lyophilized (turned into powder). The bottle is mixed with a diluent at the time of application.

It is a single dose and protects against four serotypes

Butantan-DV is the world’s first single-dose immunizer that protects against four serotypes, called DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3 and DENV-4. The advance is considered strategic because it facilitates public campaigns, increases adherence and accelerates the protection of the population.

It offers 89% protection against severe dengue and lasts for up to five years. The data are from phase 3 of the clinical trial published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases. Additionally, safety and efficacy data released in the New England Journal of Medicine showed 79.6% overall efficacy in preventing any cases of symptomatic dengue.