Target product profiles for treatments for dengue

Overview

The increasing global burden and geographic expansion of dengue, coupled with the absence of specific antiviral treatments, underscores the urgent need for safe, effective and accessible therapeutics to prevent disease progression and reduce mortality. This technical document presents target product profiles developed by the World Health Organization to guide the clinical development of new treatments for both non-severe and severe dengue.

It describes the epidemiological context, clinical features and current management limitations, and outlines the methodological approach used to define product profiles through expert consultation and public input. The profiles distinguish between treatments for non-severe and severe dengue and specify minimally acceptable and optimal characteristics for candidate therapeutics, including intended use, target populations, efficacy, safety, formulation, dosing, stability and affordability considerations. Expected clinical outcomes include reduction in symptom duration and progression to severe disease for non-severe dengue, and reduction in organ failure and mortality for severe dengue. Particular attention is given to applicability across all age groups and settings, including resource-constrained, dengue-endemic regions. The document supports alignment between research and development priorities and public health needs, and is intended for product developers, regulators, funders and public health stakeholders involved in advancing dengue treatment options.