Butantan four‑serotype dengue vaccine for older adults (60–79)

Phase 3B, Double-blind, Randomized Study to Evaluate the Safety and Non-inferiority of the Humoral Immune Response of the Butantan Dengue Vaccine in Participants Aged 60 to 79 Years Compared to Participants Aged 40 to 59 Years

This study tests whether the Butantan four‑serotype dengue vaccine gives people aged 60–79 immune responses and safety similar to adults aged 40–59.

Quick facts

• Phase: Phase 3
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 997 (estimated)
• Ages: 40 Years to 79 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Butantan Institute (Government)
• Drugs / interventions: chemotherapy, prednisone
• Locations: 5 sites (Curitiba, Paraná and 4 other locations)
• Trial ID: NCT06891950 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is a multicenter Phase 3b, three‑arm study that randomizes older participants (60–79) in a double‑blind way while enrolling adults (40–59) in an open‑label group to compare immune responses and safety. The primary immunogenicity analysis uses a cohort of about 460 participants to compare seroconversion by PRNT50 for each dengue serotype at Day 42 (+7 days) between the age groups. Safety monitoring includes solicited and unsolicited adverse reactions through Day 22 and one year of follow‑up for serious adverse events and events of special interest. Active surveillance for suspected dengue, chikungunya, and Zika will run throughout the study, and positive immunobridging results could support extending vaccine use to the 60–79 age group.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Healthy adults aged 60–79 are the main target group, with a comparison population aged 40–59; participants must be willing to attend visits, complete study diaries, provide blood samples, and use effective contraception if applicable.

Not a fit: People outside the 40–79 age range, pregnant individuals, or those with major medical conditions or immunosuppression who would be excluded from the protocol are unlikely to be eligible or benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the results could support use of the Butantan tetravalent dengue vaccine in people aged 60–79 by showing comparable antibody responses and acceptable safety.

How similar studies have performed: Other tetravalent live‑attenuated dengue vaccine programs and prior trials have shown promising immunogenicity but have produced variable results depending on age and prior dengue exposure.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* a. Healthy participants aged between 40 and 79 years at the time of study entry, with or without a history of exposure to dengue fever;

  b. Agree to periodic contact by telephone, electronic means, and home visits and to the research center;

  c. Participants with reproductive potential must be using some effective contraceptive method at screening and continue using it for up to 90 days after the intervention; except in cases where the volunteer declares that she is not at risk of becoming pregnant, either by not engaging in sexual activities or by engaging in them in a non-reproductive manner, up to 90 days after vaccination;

  d. Demonstrate intent to participate in the study, documented by the participant's signature of the informed consent form, as well as the study procedures, including completing the Participant Diaries, blood collection, and being available for scheduled study visits and contacts.

Exclusion Criteria:

* a. For female participants with reproductive potential: pregnancy (confirmed by positive β-hCG test), breastfeeding or manifest intention to have sexual practices with reproductive potential without using a contraceptive method in the 90 days following vaccination;

  b. Planned donation of blood, semen or eggs in the 90 days following vaccination;

  c. Evidence of active uncontrolled neurological, cardiac, pulmonary, hepatic or renal disease according to anamnesis or physical examination, at the discretion of the investigator;

  d. Diseases that compromise the immune system, including: decompensated diabetes mellitus, active neoplasms or history of neoplasms in the last five years (except basal cell carcinoma), congenital or acquired immunodeficiencies (including HIV/AIDS), solid organ transplants (heart, liver, pancreas, lung, kidney) or uncontrolled autoimmune diseases according to anamnesis or physical examination, as well as a history of liver failure, heart failure or terminal chronic kidney disease or dialysis;

  e. Behavioral, cognitive, or psychiatric illness that, in the opinion of the principal investigator or his/her medical representative, affects the potential participant's ability to understand and comply with the requirements of the study protocol;

  f. Any abuse of alcohol or drugs in the last 12 months prior to enrollment in the study that has caused medical, professional, or family problems, as indicated by the clinical history;

  g. History of severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis to the vaccine or components of the study vaccine;

  h. History of asplenia;

  i. Participation in another clinical trial with administration of an investigational product during the six months prior to enrollment in the study or scheduled participation in another clinical trial in the 12 months following enrollment;

  j. Previous participation in a dengue vaccine evaluation study or previous exposure to dengue vaccine;

  k. Use of immunosuppressive therapies six months prior to enrollment in the study or their scheduled use in the 12 months following enrollment. The following immunosuppressive therapies will be considered: antineoplastic chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunosuppressants to induce tolerance to transplants, monoclonal antibody therapy for the treatment of rheumatological diseases, among others;

  l.Having received an immunosuppressive dose of corticosteroid in the last three months prior to inclusion in the study or administration of an immunosuppressive dose of corticosteroid for the 12 months following inclusion in the study. The dose of corticosteroid considered immunosuppressive is the equivalent of prednisone at a dose of 20 mg/day, for adults, for 14 days (cumulative dose equivalent to at least 280 mg of prednisone). Continuous use of topical or nasal corticosteroid is not considered immunosuppressive;

  m. Having received blood products (transfusions or immunoglobulins) in the last three months prior to inclusion in the study, or scheduled administration of blood products or immunoglobulin in the 12 months following inclusion in the study;

  n. Fever, suspected or measured, in the 72 hours prior to vaccination or axillary temperature ≥ 37.8°C on the day of vaccination (inclusion may be postponed until the potential participant has been fever-free for 72 hours);

  o. Having received a live attenuated virus vaccine in the last 28 days or an inactivated vaccine in the last 14 days prior to inclusion in the study, or having been immunized within 12 months of inclusion in the study;

  p. Any other condition that, in the opinion of the principal investigator or his/her medical representative, may jeopardize the safety or rights of a potential participant or that prevents him/her from complying with this protocol.

Where this trial is running

Curitiba, Paraná and 4 other locations

• CWB 02 - Centro Médico São Francisco — Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil (Recruiting)
• PET 01 - Hospital Escola da Universidade de Pelotas - HEUFPEL — Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil (Recruiting)
• POA 05 - Núcleo de Pesquisa do Rio Grande do Sul — Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil (Recruiting)
• POA 02 - Associação Hospitalar Moinhos de Vento — Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil (Recruiting)
• POA 01 - Centro de Pesquisa: Hospital São Lucas - PUCRS — Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Fabiano Ramos, MD, PhD

Conditions Dengue; dengue vaccine; elderly population