A Phase 1, Open-Label Assessment of a Dengue Virus-1 Live Virus Human Challenge Strain

Abstract

Abstract Background Dengue human infection models (DHIM) have been used as a safe means to test the viability of prophylaxis and therapeutics. Methods A phase 1 study of 12 healthy adult volunteers using a challenge virus, DENV-1-LVHC strain 45AZ5, was performed. A dose escalating design was used to determine the safety and performance profile of the challenge virus. Subjects were evaluated extensively until 28 days and then out to 6 months. Results Twelve subjects received the challenge virus: 6 with 0.5 mL of 6.5 × 103 plaque-forming units (PFU)/mL (low-dose group) and 6 with 0.5 mL of 6.5 × 104 PFU/mL (mid-dose group). All except 1 in the low-dose group developed detectable viremia. For all subjects the mean incubation period was 5.9 days (range 5–9 days) and mean time of viremia was 6.8 days (range 3–9 days). Mean peak for all subjects was 1.6 × 107 genome equivalents (GE)/mL (range 4.6 × 103 to 5 × 107 GE/mL). There were no serious adverse events or long-term safety signals noted. Conclusions We conclude that DENV-1-LVHC was well-tolerated, resulted in an uncomplicated dengue illness, and may be a suitable DHIM for therapeutic and prophylactic product testing. Clinical Trials Registration NCT02372175.