US pharmaceutical company Merck & Co Inc (NYSE:MRK), known as MSD outside the US and Canada said on Thursday that it has initiated the MOBILIZE-1 Phase 3 clinical trial to evaluate V181, an investigational quadrivalent vaccine candidate for the prevention of dengue disease caused by any of the four dengue virus serotypes.

The study will assess the safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy of a single dose of V181, regardless of individuals' prior exposure to dengue. Recruitment has begun, with the first participants enrolling in Singapore.

This marks the first Phase 3 study within Merck's broader clinical development programme for V181, reflecting the company's strategic commitment to tackling mosquito-borne diseases.

Dengue poses a significant global health threat, with approximately half of the world's population living in regions at risk.

If successful, V181 could offer a single-dose prevention option for dengue, potentially reducing the burden of disease in vulnerable populations.

Merck is advancing V181 through a globally focused clinical programme in areas where dengue remains endemic.