Merck & Co Inc (NYSE:MRK) has begun a Phase 3 clinical trial to test its experimental dengue vaccine in a pediatric population, the company announced on Thursday.
The trial aims to enroll around 12,000 participants aged 2 to 17, evaluating the effectiveness of a single dose of its V181 vaccine. The study will measure protection against all four strains of the dengue virus, regardless of whether participants have had prior exposure.
This pivotal trial marks a critical milestone for Merck as it advances its dengue vaccine candidate into the final phase of development ahead of potential regulatory approval.
Dengue, a mosquito-borne virus, continues to pose a serious health threat worldwide, especially to children, who are at higher risk of developing severe complications.