Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Apr 1: India’s long wait for a dengue vaccine may soon end, with TAK-003, also known as Qdenga, receiving clearance from the Subject Expert Committee under the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) for use in individuals aged 4 to 60 years.
The vaccine, developed by Takeda, marks a significant milestone in India’s fight against Dengue, which continues to cause widespread infections and hospitalisations annually, particularly among children.
TAK-003 has been tested in global trials involving over 28,000 participants and is already approved in more than 40 countries. Unlike earlier vaccines, it does not require pre-vaccination screening, making it easier to deploy. It has shown strong protection against severe dengue and hospitalisation, outcomes considered critical in clinical settings.
Experts say the vaccine could reduce pressure on India’s healthcare system by lowering hospital admissions and severe cases, even though it may not completely prevent infections.
However, challenges remain. Dengue is caused by four virus types, and while TAK-003 offers strong protection against some, its effectiveness is relatively lower against others, particularly DENV-3 and DENV-4. With all four strains circulating in India, this could limit overall population-level impact.
Additionally, the vaccine is expected to be priced between Rs 3,000 and Rs 6,000 per dose, requiring two doses, raising concerns over affordability and access, especially in rural and low-income populations.
Authorities have mandated post-marketing studies to assess the vaccine’s real-world safety and effectiveness across different regions.
Meanwhile, India is also developing an indigenous vaccine, ‘DengiAll’, by Panacea Biotec in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research. Based on technology from the National Institutes of Health, the single-dose candidate is currently in phase III trials and could be available by 2027.
Health experts stress that while TAK-003 is a major step forward, it should complement—not replace—existing measures like mosquito control and surveillance, as dengue outbreaks are unlikely to disappear entirely.