Health News

Janssen’s Novel Antiviral Drug – As Dengue Prevention and Cure

Dengue imposes a tremendous public health burden. However, a definitive therapy remains lacking. Despite its severity and the rampant progression of this disease post infection with either of the four dengue serotypes, standard therapeutic measures border around symptomatic relief and supportive care.

Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies reported that a novel, early-stage clinical candidate (JNJ-1802) could be a potent preventive agent against dengue – this Thursday.

Earlier, JNJ-1802 was found to be safe and well-tolerated in animal studies and is active against all four dengue serotypes. The drug is highly effective against two dengue serotypes – DENV-1 and -2, in non-human primates. This pharmaceutical agent has been approved for testing in Phase 2 clinical studies – for dengue prevention.

This drug acts by interfering with viral protein interactions and hence, impedes replications of the virus. Newer research on this drug has confirmed its safety for human use and has proven it efficiency in dengue prophylaxis and treatment.