India’s first dengue vaccine, Qdenga, is set to launch in 2026. According to reports, Japanese pharmaceutical giant Takeda is preparing to introduce Qdenga in India next year. The rollout will take place in collaboration with Hyderabad-based Biological E (Bio E), in line with the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
A Times of India report states that, recognising dengue as a “global health challenge,” Takeda — a company valued at over $23 billion- plans to adopt a tiered pricing model for its first global vaccine to ensure broader access. This was confirmed by Derek Wallace, President of Takeda’s Global Vaccine Business Unit.
“We plan to introduce the vaccine in both private and public sectors simultaneously. Like in many other countries, India’s National Immunisation Program is very pediatric-focused. The initial conversation aligns with WHO guidelines for implementing public programs for the pediatric population. However, we are introducing the vaccine in the private sector for both pediatric and adult populations”, Wallace added as per reported by TOI.
Who Can Get Qdenga Dengue Vaccine? WHO Age And Eligibility Guidelines
The WHO says Qdenga can be given to children between 6 and 16 years old in places where dengue is common. It is not recommended for kids under 6 because the vaccine doesn’t work as well for them.
People with other health problems (comorbidities) who live in dengue-prone areas might also get the vaccine, even if they’re not in the 6–16 age group, but only if there’s clear evidence that they are at high risk of getting very sick from dengue. For now, WHO suggests using the vaccine for people with health conditions only if they are between 6 and 60 years old, until more safety and effectiveness data become available.
Who Shouldn’t Be Administered The Vaccine?
- Pregnant women should not be administered
- Women who plan to become pregnant- the vaccine cannot be given one month before becoming pregnant
- Women who are breastfeeding
- People with weakened immune systems, due to illness, treatments like chemotherapy or steroids, or HIV with poor immune function, should avoid the vaccine within four weeks before vaccination
- People with symptomatic Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection or with asymptomatic HIV infection associated with evidence of impaired immune function
Countries That Have Approved TAK-003: How Effective Is It?
The dengue vaccine that will be introduced is called TAK-003, and it will be sold under the brand name Qdenga. The World Health Organisation (WHO) approved it in May 2024, and it’s already being used in countries like Indonesia, Thailand, Argentina, Brazil, and across the European Union. Since it became available in 2023, more than 10 million doses have been sold.
In India, Takeda has received permission from the drug regulator (CDSCO) to start clinical trials for Qdenga. However, it hasn’t been approved for public use in India yet.
About Takeda
Takeda has a 240-year legacy and over 70 years in vaccines (primarily pediatric) in Japan. Qdenga is the company’s first globally developed and marketed vaccine. It is a tetravalent live-attenuated vaccine targeting all four dengue serotypes, and has a two-dose regimen with a three-month interval. Since the launch in 2023, the vaccine has sold over 10m doses. The company is focused on oncology, rare diseases and gastroenterology. It also negotiates lower prices for centralised government procurement on a country-by-country basis, and a similar strategy is expected to be implemented in India.
Takeda said that their goal is to produce 100 million doses annually by the end of the decade, with Bio E contributing half.
