Latest news with #dengue
National Post
6 hours ago
- Business
- National Post
ImmunoPrecise Announces AI-Driven Breakthrough in Universal Dengue Vaccine Discovery
Article content LENS ai ™ powered by HYFT® technology Identifies a single multi-factorial target conserved across all dengue serotypes. Article content AUSTIN, Texas — ImmunoPrecise Antibodies Ltd. (IPA) (NASDAQ:IPA) a leader in AI-driven biotherapeutics, announces discovery of a highly conserved epitope across all four dengue virus serotypes using its proprietary LENS ai ™ platform powered by their patented HYFT® technology. This discovery, made using several proprietary HYFT-based analyses, identifies a part of the virus (an epitope) that has remained unmutated across all four known virus serotypes, therefore potentially allowing an epitope-based vaccine to target and activate the immune system to eliminate the virus. This discovery marks a major milestone toward the development of a potential universal dengue vaccine and validates the Company's newly launched, HYFT pattern-patented AI-native vaccine discovery engine. Article content Dr. Jennifer Bath, ImmunoPrecise Antibodies CEO commented, 'This breakthrough highlights a new frontier in AI-driven biology—where discovery is rooted in the biology of a virus itself. By confirming that our sequence-derived patented HYFT patterns match structural signatures across all dengue serotypes, we're setting the stage for a universal vaccine design framework. Ultimately, this research validates a persistent target that may allow doctors to home in on a signal to eliminate the virus regardless of mutations that may have occurred. More importantly, the implications appear to stretch far beyond the dengue virus. This is a foundation that research indicates can now be applied to many other infectious diseases and potentially even certain types of cancer.' Article content Building on this success in dengue, IPA now intends to extend its AI-driven vaccine design platform to other high-impact infectious diseases, for example, HIV, Norovirus, and an improved RSV vaccine. Early-stage assessments are also underway to explore the platform's application in oncology for neoantigen vaccine development and tumor-specific epitope mapping. Article content This discovery underscores IPA's commitment to advancing drug discovery through innovative, human-relevant AI technologies that align with evolving industry standards. Using HYFT's patented ability to map biologically meaningful sub-sequence patterns across the entire biosphere, the Company's proprietary LENS ai platform identified a unique epitope shared across all four serotypes of the dengue virus—DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4. These serotypes are distinct versions of the virus that circulate globally, and because infection with one does not protect against the others, identifying a common target is a critical step toward developing a broadly protective dengue vaccine. Unlike traditional trial-and-error methods, IPA's discovery was achieved entirely in silico, demonstrating the platform's power to translate complex biological data into actionable vaccine design. Article content Why Has a Universal Dengue Vaccine Been So Elusive? Article content Dengue is not just one virus—it's four distinct, rapidly-evolving serotypes. Immunity to one does not guarantee protection from the others, and prior infection can even make subsequent disease worse. For decades, vaccine researchers have struggled to find a viral component that is both exposed and truly conserved across all four types—a challenge compounded by the virus's rapid mutation and complex immune interactions. Traditional methods, whether experimental or computational, have repeatedly fallen short, unable to fully bridge the gap between sequence, structure, and function at a meaningful scale. Article content Confirmed Breakthrough: Sequence and Structural HYFT Match Across All Four Serotypes Article content IPA's discovery is a landmark moment in computational vaccinology. Using its proprietary LENSai™ platform powered by their patented HYFT® technology, the company has identified a strictly conserved epitope across all four dengue virus serotypes— a viral signature that remains unchanged despite mutations and serotype variation, and that can be targeted to trigger the immune system in efforts to eliminate the virus. This achievement marks a critical milestone in the quest for a universal dengue vaccine. Article content What sets this apart is the depth of validation: Article content Patented HYFT patterns, derived based on the conservation of sequence data. were independently confirmed to match corresponding structural HYFTs across all four dengue serotypes. This was made possible through LENS ai 's integration of over 20 million proprietary Structural HYFTs (S-HYFTs), enabling the platform to overlay three-dimensional conformations onto sequence-level, biology-native fingerprints. The validation demonstrates that LENS ai doesn't simply identify linear motifs—it can infer conformational and functional structures from sequence data alone, bypassing the need for time-consuming experimental techniques like crystallography or cryo-EM. Article content This milestone affirms the patented HYFT technology's unique ability to traverse the full biological hierarchy—from DNA/RNA sequence to molecular structure to therapeutic relevance. It signals that AI-native models, rooted in biology-first principles, can now deliver actionable insights previously achievable only through years of wet-lab research. Article content The end-to-end LENS ai platform integrates patented HYFT® universal fingerprints with deep learning, structural predictions, and literature-mined knowledge graphs to rapidly identify and refine candidate epitopes—without requiring lab-based inputs. The result: full immunogen design and in silico immunogenicity screening, dramatically reducing the time and cost of early-stage vaccine development and unlocking new opportunities to tackle even the most complex viral challenges. Article content About ImmunoPrecise Antibodies Ltd. Article content ImmunoPrecise Antibodies Ltd. is a techbio company that leverages multi-omics modeling and complex artificial intelligence through a series of proprietary and patented technologies. The Company owns an integrated end-to-end suite of capabilities to support the discovery and development of therapeutic antibodies and is known for solving complex industry challenges. IPA has several subsidiaries in North America and Europe including entities such as Talem Therapeutics LLC, BioStrand BV, ImmunoPrecise Antibodies (Canada) Ltd. and ImmunoPrecise Antibodies (Europe) B.V. (collectively, the 'IPA Family'). Article content Forward-Looking Statements Article content This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable United States and Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements are often identified by words such as 'expects,' 'intends,' 'plans,' 'anticipates,' 'believes,' or similar expressions, or statements that certain actions, events, or results 'may,' 'will,' 'could,' or 'might' occur or be achieved. These statements include, but are not limited to, those related to the anticipated benefits, scalability, adoption, and broader application of the LENS ai ™ and HYFT® platforms; the advancement and regulatory acceptance of AI-native drug discovery and vaccine development methods; the expansion of IPA's discovery engine to additional infectious disease and oncology targets; and the Company's ongoing ability to maintain scientific, regulatory, and commercial momentum. Article content Forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations, assumptions, and projections about future events. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied due to a variety of factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control. Such factors include, but are not limited to, scientific or technological developments, changes in regulatory requirements or acceptance, competitive or market dynamics, intellectual property protection and enforcement, integration or operational risks, and changes in economic or business conditions. Article content Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied herein. Additional information regarding risks and uncertainties is included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F, as amended, for the year ended April 30, 2024 (available on the Company's SEDAR+ profile at and EDGAR profile at Should any of these risks materialize, actual results could vary significantly from those currently anticipated. Article content Article content Article content Article content
Free Malaysia Today
2 days ago
- General
- Free Malaysia Today
Dengue in children: why early detection is crucial
Diagnosing dengue in children can be challenging as its symptoms often overlap with those of other viral infections. (File pic) KUALA LUMPUR : Dengue remains a significant public health concern in Malaysia, with cases widespread across all regions. Among those most at risk are children, who are particularly vulnerable to severe dengue, which can cause bleeding. Without prompt treatment, young patients can deteriorate rapidly and face life-threatening complications. Consultant paediatrician Dr Gan Chin Seng, however, points out that diagnosing dengue in children can be challenging as its symptoms often overlap with those of other viral infections. 'Common symptoms such as fever, headache and vomiting are not unique to dengue, making it difficult for healthcare providers to pinpoint the virus without a high level of suspicion,' he told Bernama. He said dengue should always be considered if a child has a persistent fever with no clear cause, particularly in locations where cases have already been established. 'Blood tests are essential in confirming a diagnosis, with various tests available to detect the virus early. Still, the challenge with dengue in children is that it can progress rapidly. 'While the fever may subside, this can be misleading as it could signal the start of the dangerous plasma-leakage phase, which can cause a drop in blood pressure and inadequate blood supply to vital organs. This leads to shock and potentially multiorgan failure,' he cautioned. Warning signs in children who may be at higher risk of severe dengue include abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, fluid accumulation in the lungs or abdomen, gum bleeding, lethargy, liver enlargement, and rapidly dropping platelet counts. 'They may present with shock, severe bleeding, or excessive fluid accumulation, causing breathing difficulty. By identifying these signs, it will help doctors with decision-making and treatment,' Gan said. Areas with stagnant water serve as breeding grounds for the Aedes mosquito, which spreads the virus. (Pixabay pic) He also noted that severe dengue can affect the brain, leading to encephalitis (when the brain becomes inflamed); the heart, leading to myocarditis (when the heart becomes inflamed); and the liver, leading to hepatitis (when the liver becomes inflamed and congested). Gan pointed out that multiple factors contribute to the risk of severe dengue, which can be categorised into patient-related and environmental. 'Patient-related risk factors include obesity, being five years old and above, a previous history of dengue infection, and pre-existing health conditions. 'Environment plays a significant role in dengue transmission: areas with stagnant water serve as breeding grounds for the Aedes mosquito, which spreads the virus. Living in such areas or having neighbours with dengue cases heightens the risk. Community efforts are also crucial in eliminating mosquito breeding sites,' he added. Early diagnosis and intervention, he stressed, are critical in managing severe dengue. 'Fluid management is key to preventing kidney damage and other complications. If a child cannot drink fluids due to vomiting, they need to be hospitalised for intravenous hydration. 'After the fever subsides, continuous close monitoring is essential, as this period can be deceptively calm before more serious complications arise.' He noted that the appearance of a rash during the recovery phase is a positive sign, as it indicates the child is improving. Parents are encouraged to ensure their children receive the dengue vaccine, which has been shown to reduce severity of the disease by up to 90%. (Freepik pic) Finally, Gan emphasises that family and public education play a crucial role in preventing severe dengue. 'Recognising the symptoms early, understanding when to seek medical help, and ensuring proper fluid intake are key messages that need to be conveyed to the public. 'Moreover, the introduction of the dengue vaccine has been a significant step forward in prevention. The vaccine, which has been shown to reduce the severity of dengue by up to 90%, is available for children aged four and above.' Despite the availability of the vaccine, uptake in Malaysia has been relatively slow compared with neighbouring countries such as Thailand and Vietnam. 'Public health campaigns are, therefore, necessary to encourage parents to vaccinate their children, as this provides a vital layer of protection against severe dengue,' he concluded.
RNZ News
2 days ago
- Climate
- RNZ News
Pacific doctors coping with dengue cases, say health leaders
Photo: 123RF Most dengue fever outbreaks are not slowing down in the Pacific but there are hopes this will change as the weather gets colder and drier. Samoa's director general of health Aiono Dr Alec Ekeroma said the country saw 56 new cases of the viral infection last week, which is close to a third of the confirmed cases since January. Samoa, Fiji, Tonga and the Cook Islands have all declared dengue outbreaks. All countries apart from the Cook Islands have recorded at least one death. Aiono said Samoa's Ministry of Health is encouraging people to stamp out breeding grounds, which is preferred over spraying campaigns. "The chemicals [are] expensive and it's not as effective as we would like it to be, so it's better actually that we engage the community to destroy breeding sites," Aiono said. He said health care staff are managing. "The good thing is that there's been no very sick cases really recently, so in fact looking at the data there's no one in the hospital right now." Fiji Medical Association president, Dr Alipate Vakamocea thinks Fiji is about to hit its dengue peak. "It's seasonal, so it should be on its way down and we've seen the numbers from the Central Division start to come down," he said. "It's just our numbers in the Western Division haven't really started to settle yet but we should see that now that we're entering into the cold season." Fiji's health ministry has declared an outbreak in the Central and Western Divisions. There have been more than one-thousand cases recorded. "We've noticed that the outbreak is particularly higher in the Western Division compared to the Central Division, and we've had quite a few admissions into hospital with dengue and even quite a few into ICUs with complications of dengue." Vakamocea said doctors are coping. "We've had some challenges, which we've raised in the past with a couple of our consumables, like our IV fluids and things like that," he said. "But they're managing at the moment. I think there are other donor partners who have stepped in to help the ministry bolster its clinical support." He said there had been significant public health campaigns to clean up and reduce the number of mosquito breeding sites. A statement from Cook Islands Ministry of Health on Friday said five cases were considered active, there have been 17 cases since February, and 97 dengue tests have been done. "The average rate remains stable at approximately 1 - 2 confirmed cases per day," it said. Tonga has had 815 cases.
CNA
3 days ago
- General
- CNA
Not all pain medications are safe to take during dengue season
Dengue, a mosquito-borne illness common in subtropical and tropical regions, poses a significant public health concern in Singapore. According to the National Environment Agency (NEA), there were between 89 and 118 dengue cases weekly in May 2025, bringing the total to almost 2,020 cases since the year began. A major dengue risk factor in Singapore is the high population of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. According to NEA, dengue transmission typically increases during the warmer months from May to October, as higher temperatures accelerate the development of the Aedes mosquito and speed up the multiplication of the dengue virus within them. UNDERSTANDING THE SYMPTOMS Common dengue symptoms include mild to high fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting and skin rash. However, not all dengue patients exhibit the characteristic rash. Routine dengue tests are most sensitive 72 hours after the onset of symptoms, which means that testing too early could lead to a false negative result. 'Every day, numerous patients with undiagnosed dengue present with a fever at the accident and emergency departments of hospitals,' said Dr Sanjeev Shanker, emergency medicine specialist at StarMed Specialist Centre. 'It is important to differentiate dengue from other minor viral febrile (fever-related) illnesses as dengue patients require careful and prolonged monitoring to ensure that they do not develop severe dengue.' 00:30 Min Severe dengue symptoms include abdominal pain, persistent vomiting and bleeding gums, and require immediate medical attention to prevent life-threatening complications. 'If you develop dengue symptoms, are aware that you have been bitten by mosquitoes, or are living in a known dengue cluster, consult your doctor to test for the illness,' advised Dr Sanjeev. MANAGING DENGUE SYMPTOMS EFFECTIVELY Dengue patients often experience a low platelet count, especially as the illness progresses, which is why it is important to choose the right medication to manage pain and fever. World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines caution against the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and aspirin to treat these symptoms as they can potentially increase the risk of bleeding. 'Platelets are blood cells that help with blood clotting. This means that dengue patients with low platelet counts are at a higher risk of excessive bleeding,' explained Dr Vandana Garg, medical and scientific affairs lead (Southeast Asia and Taiwan), Haleon Singapore. 'This may be exacerbated by the use of NSAIDs, which can hamper the recovery of the patient's platelet count or prevent the optimal functioning of remaining platelets.' WHO recommends paracetamol as the primary medication for managing fever and pain caused by dengue. 'Paracetamol is available in various formulations like syrups, tablets and suppositories, and is suitable for use in children, adults and the elderly, when used as directed,' added Dr Garg. STEPPING UP PREVENTION EFFORTS Dr Sanjeev emphasised the importance of proactive measures from the government and the community in implementing preventive strategies to curb mosquito breeding and minimise the risk of bites. Suggested measures include wearing protective clothing, using mosquito repellents and eliminating potential breeding sites around homes. 'Be extra vigilant if your neighbourhood is a dengue cluster. This is usually indicated by posters in public areas stating the number of dengue cases detected,' Dr Sanjeev said. He also highlighted the importance of personal responsibility in preventing the breeding of Aedes mosquitoes, which can be achieved by following the 'BLOCK' steps: Break up hardened soil; lift and empty flowerpot plates; overturn pails and wipe their rims; change water in vases; and keep roof gutters clear. By enhancing understanding of dengue symptoms, following WHO guidelines for symptom management and actively engaging in dengue prevention efforts, everyone can do their part to minimise dengue outbreaks and foster a healthier environment for all.
RNZ News
6 days ago
- General
- RNZ News
Dengue fever cases in Tonga rise to 815
A dengue outbreak was declared in Tonga on 19 February. Photo: Tonga Ministry of Health Tonga's Ministry of Health says 22 new cases of dengue fever were picked up in recent tests, bringing the total cumulative cases to 815. The majority of the confirmed cases are on the main island, Tongatapu. Five people were currently in hospital,all in a stable condition. There have been no new deaths following the three reported to date, according to the Ministry of Health. A dengue outbreak was declared in the kingdom in February. The disease is spread by mosquitos. Outbreaks have also been declared in Samoa, Fiji and Cook Islands. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
