Nothing's even in Phase II yet, but sponsors and US government researchers remain optimistic.

Neglected diseases are gaining a higher profile in Big Pharma drug development programs. Research on a vaccine for dengue fever has been ongoing for decades, and a few candidates could finally be nearing late-stage trials.

Sanofi already generates a substantial share of its revenue from emerging markets, but developing the first dengue vaccine would have significant impact on emerging market revenue, perhaps as early as 2015.

The 10 member countries of ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) have agreed to collaborate more closely on the prevention, surveillance and treatment of dengue amid a steady rise in the incidence of the disease.