Paediatric drug optimization for dengue: meeting report, 23 October 2025

Overview

This meeting report summarizes the WHO paediatric drug optimization (PADO) exercise for dengue, convened in October 2025 to identify priorities for the development of age-appropriate dengue therapeutics for children.

The report reviews the increasing global burden of dengue, particularly among children younger than 15 years, and highlights the absence of licensed treatments beyond supportive care. It outlines the objectives and methodology of the PADO process, including the review of WHO guidance, target product profiles for dengue therapeutics and late-stage candidate medicines under clinical development.