India Approves First Dengue Vaccine Qdenga
India’s drug regulator has approved Qdenga, the country’s first authorised dengue vaccine, offering a new preventive option against a mosquito-borne disease that places a substantial burden on the national healthcare system.
Qdenga dengue vaccine approved in India
Developed by Japanese pharmaceutical company Takeda, Qdenga is a live-attenuated tetravalent vaccine designed to protect against all four dengue virus serotypes. It can be administered without testing for a previous dengue infection.
The Indian approval covers people aged four to 60 years. However, vaccination should follow national guidance and individual medical advice, particularly for people with underlying health conditions.
The World Health Organization recommends programmatic use primarily among children aged six to 16 in areas with high dengue transmission. This recommendation is narrower than the vaccine’s regulatory age range.
Qdenga doses and effectiveness explained
Qdenga is administered as two 0.5 ml injections given three months apart. The vaccine is injected under the skin, usually in the upper arm. The requirement for a routine booster dose has not been established.
Clinical trial data involving children and adolescents showed 80.2% efficacy against symptomatic, laboratory-confirmed dengue after 12 months. It reduced dengue-related hospitalisations by 90.4% over an 18-month follow-up period.
Over four-and-a-half years, its cumulative efficacy was 61.2% against confirmed symptomatic dengue and 84.1% against hospitalisation. Protection varied according to dengue serotype and whether recipients had previously been infected.
Who should avoid Qdenga vaccine
As Qdenga contains weakened live viruses, it is generally unsuitable for pregnant women and people with significant immune suppression. Individuals should consult a qualified healthcare professional before vaccination to assess eligibility and potential risks.
Takeda has partnered with Hyderabad-based Biological E to expand production. The Indian manufacturer plans to develop capacity for 50 million doses annually, supporting wider access to the vaccine.
