Fri Jun 13 19:49:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the article and a rewrite as a news article:

**Summary:**

The Serum Institute of India (SII) is partnering with the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) to accelerate the development of an affordable monoclonal antibody treatment for dengue. SII has already conducted early clinical trials and is working to raise funds and implement additional Phase III trials. The goal is to register and deploy the treatment in India and other dengue-endemic countries, like Brazil and Southeast Asian nations, pending successful safety and efficacy studies. The partnership aims to address the increasing threat of dengue, which affects billions and lacks specific treatment options.

**News Article:**

**Indian Firm Partners to Develop Affordable Dengue Treatment as Cases Surge**

**NEW DELHI, June 14, 2025** – The Pune-based Serum Institute of India (SII) has announced a collaboration with the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) to expedite the clinical development of a potentially life-saving monoclonal antibody (mab) treatment for dengue fever. The partnership aims to provide an affordable and accessible treatment option for low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) grappling with the growing threat of the mosquito-borne illness.

SII has already made significant progress, conducting pre-clinical studies and Phase I and II clinical trials of a potential dengue drug. India’s Central Drugs Standards Control Organisation (CDSCO) recommended that SII submit safety and efficacy data regarding the mab in a larger number of patients from phase III studies before recommending manufacturing and marketing approval for its dengue drug for adults.

“This collaboration with DNDi will be instrumental in advancing clinical development of a dengue monoclonal antibody in Brazil and potentially other endemic countries in Southeast Asia, with a focus on making treatment affordable and accessible,” said Dr. Prasad Kulkarni, Executive Director of SII.

Under the partnership, SII and DNDi will jointly develop a work plan to implement R&D, additional Phase III clinical trials along with a joint strategy to raise necessary funds and resources. Additionally, a joint project team will be formed to advance clinical trials, with the goal of registering and deploying the dengue monoclonal antibody in India and other dengue-endemic countries. The work could also mean testing the treatment in Brazil and selected countries in south-east Asia

“India reports tens of thousands of dengue cases every year, with outbreaks occurring every two to three years in different states,” noted Dr. Kavita Singh, Asia Continental Lead & Director South Asia, DNDi. “Addressing this growing threat demands a multi-pronged approach, including… the development of effective treatments and diagnostics.”

Dengue, which affects approximately 3.9 billion people globally, has seen cases more than double since 2021. Its spread is exacerbated by climate change and urbanization. The lack of a specific treatment for dengue underscores the urgent need for effective interventions to reduce mortality and prevent the overburdening of healthcare systems during outbreaks. If successful, this collaboration could provide a crucial tool in combating the growing global dengue epidemic.

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