Merck Begins Global Phase 3 Trial For Investigational Dengue Vaccine

Merck, known as MSD outside the U.S. and Canada, has launched its Phase 3 MOBILIZE-1 clinical trial to evaluate V181, an investigational quadrivalent dengue vaccine. This vaccine is designed to prevent disease caused by any of the four dengue virus serotypes, regardless of an individual’s prior exposure. The trial is now enrolling participants, with initial recruitment beginning in Singapore.

“Approximately half of the world’s population live in areas with a risk for dengue, making it a serious public health threat. The initiation of the MOBILIZE-1 study, the first Phase 3 trial in our clinical development program, marks a key milestone in our work to help address this widespread mosquito-borne disease. If successful, V181 could provide an important single-dose option for at-risk populations, regardless of previous exposure to dengue, to help reduce the significant burden around the globe,” said Dr. Paula Annunziato, senior vice president, infectious diseases and vaccines, global clinical development, Merck Research Laboratories. 

V181 is being developed to offer broad protection across all dengue serotypes and could serve a significant global need, particularly in dengue-endemic regions.  Merck reinstated its dedication to solving dengue as a public health concern by means of international research and development projects. The expanded clinical development program of V181 covers many dengue-endemic areas across the world.