Brazil has become the first country in the world to authorise a single-dose vaccine for dengue, marking a major development in global efforts to control the disease. The approval was issued by Brazil’s national health regulator, allowing the vaccine — Butantan-DV, to be administered to individuals between the ages of 12 and 59.
The vaccine was developed by the Butantan Institute in São Paulo, which has been working on dengue research and vaccine development for years. The new single-dose format sets it apart from other dengue vaccines currently in use, many of which require two doses taken months apart. The simplified dosing schedule is expected to make immunization campaigns easier to implement, especially in regions where dengue transmission remains high and access to healthcare can be inconsistent.
Large-scale clinical trials conducted in Brazil involved more than 16,000 volunteers. According to the findings submitted for approval, the vaccine showed strong protection against severe forms of dengue, achieving an efficacy rate of 91.6%. The data played a key role in the regulator’s decision to authorize its use.
The approval comes at a time when dengue cases are increasing globally. Rising temperatures and changing climate patterns have contributed to the expansion of mosquito populations that carry the virus, leading to more frequent and intense outbreaks. In this context, Brazilian authorities view the authorisation of Butantan-DV as an important step toward reducing the disease burden in the country and potentially offering a new tool for dengue-endemic regions worldwide.
