GUWAHATI: India’s first dengue vaccine, Qdenga, is expected to be launched in 2026 through a collaboration between Japanese pharmaceutical company Takeda and Hyderabad-based Biological E (Bio E). The vaccine, also known as TAK-003, is part of Takeda’s global push against dengue and aligns with India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative.
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Takeda confirmed plans to adopt a tiered pricing strategy for Qdenga to ensure wider access. It has been reported that the vaccine will be made available in both private and public sectors, with an initial focus on the paediatric population in line with WHO recommendations. However, adults in the private sector will be able to access the vaccine.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has also approved Qdenga for use in children aged 6 to 16 in regions where dengue is endemic. It is not advised for children below 6 years due to lower efficacy. WHO has also allowed its use among individuals aged 6 to 60 years with comorbidities in high-risk areas, although further safety data is awaited.
Certain groups are advised against receiving the vaccine, including pregnant or breastfeeding women, those planning pregnancy within a month, and people with weakened immune systems due to illness or treatment. Those with symptomatic or immunocompromised HIV infection are also excluded from current recommendations.
Qdenga has been approved for use in several countries including Indonesia, Thailand, Argentina, Brazil, and members of the European Union till date. Over 10 million doses have been administered globally since its release in 2023.
