Brazil is bolstering its defenses against dengue fever with a multi-pronged approach, including the recent approval of the world’s first single-dose dengue vaccine and innovative mosquito-repellent technologies. These developments come as the country, and the Americas more broadly, face a concerning rise in dengue cases.
New Single-Dose Vaccine Approved
On , Brazil’s national drug regulator, Anvisa, approved Butantan-DV, a single-dose dengue vaccine developed by the Butantan Institute in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Chinese laboratory WuXi Biologics. This vaccine is a significant advancement, offering a simpler vaccination schedule compared to existing options. According to the Ministry of Health, the vaccine will be offered free of charge through the Brazilian public health network, the SUS, beginning in .
The approved indication currently covers individuals aged 12 to 59, with potential for expansion pending further studies submitted by the manufacturer. The Butantan Institute has already produced 1 million doses, with plans to have over 30 million doses available by mid-. Clinical trial data indicates the vaccine is approximately 79.6% effective against symptomatic cases and 89% effective against severe cases, providing protection against all four dengue virus serotypes.
Renato Kfouri, vice-president of the Brazilian Society of Immunizations (SBIm), highlighted the global significance of this vaccine, noting that more than half of the world’s population now lives in areas at risk for dengue. The increasing prevalence is linked to expanding mosquito habitats driven by rising temperatures and shifting rainfall patterns associated with climate change.
Innovative Coating Offers Residual Protection
Alongside the new vaccine, a novel mosquito-repellent coating is entering the Brazilian market. Developed by AkzoNobel’s Coral brand, the colorless matte varnish, known as Well-being Protection Anti-Mosquito, contains permethrin, an active ingredient designed to combat the Aedes aegypti mosquito – the primary vector for dengue in Brazil. This mosquito also transmits the zika and chikungunya viruses.
The coating works by releasing microdoses of permethrin when a mosquito lands on the treated surface, disrupting its nervous system and causing it to disengage or fall off. It can be applied to both interior and exterior surfaces, including walls, doors, and baseboards, and provides continuous protection for up to two years. Laboratory tests have demonstrated 100% efficacy against mosquitoes and 97.5% efficacy against Periplaneta americana cockroaches.
The product underwent rigorous physical-chemical analysis, adhering to international standards set by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and Anvisa’s technical criteria. Comprehensive toxicological studies, laboratory efficacy tests, stability analyses, and human exposure assessments were conducted to ensure safety and efficacy.
Rising Dengue Cases Prompt Action
These advancements are occurring against a backdrop of escalating dengue cases in Brazil. Data from the Ministry of Health indicates over 502,000 probable cases of dengue were reported between January and March of , with 235 confirmed deaths and an additional 491 deaths under investigation. This surge prompted the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) to issue an epidemiological alert regarding the risk of outbreaks across the Americas, particularly due to the increasing circulation of the DENV-3 serotype.
The new varnish, developed starting in , aims to address the limitations of traditional mosquito control methods, such as spraying, which offer only temporary relief and require frequent reapplication. Itamar Viana, the chemical engineer responsible for its development, envisions the coating as a long-lasting, imperceptible, and effective solution that doesn’t require specialized equipment or labor.
The varnish is currently being evaluated for use in public health projects at the municipal level, including schools and basic health units, potentially reducing reliance on fumigation and conventional insecticides. The developer emphasizes that the product represents a “silent revolution” in the fight against Aedes aegypti, offering a sustainable and effective solution that operates continuously, even without direct observation.
Currently, the SUS also offers Qdenga, a dengue vaccine from Takeda, administered in two doses and indicated for children and adolescents aged 10 to 14 – the age group with the highest hospitalization rates from dengue. The addition of Butantan-DV expands the available tools for dengue control, particularly following the record-breaking year of , which saw over 5.9 million cases and 6,297 deaths in Brazil – a figure exceeding the total from the previous eight years combined.
