India's first dengue vaccine Qdenga to launch

The Qdenga vaccine (TAK-003), developed by Japanese pharmaceutical company Takeda, is set to launch in India in 2026 through a partnership with Hyderabad-based Biological E (Bio E).

• ‘Make in India’ Initiative: 

The vaccine will be locally produced by Biological E, ensuring affordable access.

Key Details: 

 • WHO Approval: Qdenga received World Health Organization (WHO) prequalification in May 2024.

• Protection Against Dengue:

 It is a tetravalent live-attenuated vaccine, designed to protect against all four dengue virus strains (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, DENV-4).

• Dosage:

 Administered in a two-dose regimen, spaced three months apart. • Global Use: Already approved in Indonesia, Thailand, Argentina, Brazil, and the European Union (EU), with over 10 million doses sold since 2023.

About Dengue Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection that causes high fever, severe body aches, and potential complications like dengue hemorrhagic fever.

1. Qdenga (TAK-003) • Developer: Takeda Pharmaceuticals (Japan) • Type: Live-attenuated tetravalent vaccine (protects against all four dengue virus strains)

2. Dengvaxia (CYD-TDV) • Developer: Sanofi Pasteur (France) • Type: Live-attenuated recombinant vaccine •

Dosage: Three doses, given six months apart