Researchers at the KU Leuven Rega Institute and CD3 have developed an ultrapotent inhibitor of the dengue virus, which causes the tropical disease known as dengue. The teams collaborated closely with Janssen Pharmaceutica, N.V. The antiviral molecule is exceptionally effective against all known dengue variants and could be used for therapeutic and prevention purposes. The teams have published their findings in Nature.
Each year, dengue infects up to 400 million people, sickens up to 100 million, and kills thousands. Symptoms of the disease include a high fever and severe muscle and joint pain. Some patients also suffer from subcutaneous bleeding or capillary leakage.
