The World Health Organization (WHO) has published its first Paediatric Drug Optimization Process (PADO) for dengue, aimed at accelerating the development of child-friendly dengue treatments.
The guidance outlines research priorities and investment needs to support the development of safe, effective, and age-appropriate therapies for children, who are among the most vulnerable to severe dengue. With dengue now endemic in more than 100 countries, over 14 million cases and 10,000 deaths were reported globally in 2024.
“Children must be considered from the beginning of dengue therapeutics development, not after products have already been designed for adults,” said Dr Meg Doherty, Director, Science for Health at WHO. “This report provides a practical signal to researchers, developers, regulators and funders on what is needed to ensure that future dengue treatments are appropriate, acceptable and usable for children.”
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“Dengue is a growing threat to children, and silence is not an option. To prevent severe disease and save lives, children need access to safe, appropriate formulations and treatments designed for their needs” noted Dr Daniel Ngamije Madandi, Director of the Department of Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases at WHO.
The report identifies a novel monoclonal antibody as the top priority candidate for pediatric dengue treatment over the next 3–5 years and highlights four additional candidates for continued monitoring. WHO is also calling for earlier inclusion of children in dengue therapeutic research and clinical trials to ensure future treatments are designed with their specific needs in mind.
“DNDi welcomes the PADO report as an important step towards aligning the dengue therapeutics community around children’s needs,” said Dr Luis Pizarro, Executive Director, Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (Dndi). “By identifying priority candidates, formulation considerations and research gaps, the report can help developers and funders focus efforts where they can have the greatest impact for children living in dengue-endemic settings.”
The initiative was developed in collaboration with the Global Accelerator for Paediatric Formulations (GAP-f) network and other international stakeholders.
