WHO Pre-Approved Qdenga Dengue Vaccine Shows Over 50% Efficacy

WHO Pre-Approved Qdenga Dengue Vaccine Shows Over 50% Efficacy

Overview

The Qdenga dengue vaccine, created by Takeda Pharmaceutical Industries Limited, has demonstrated over 50% effectiveness in reducing dengue cases, as revealed in a comprehensive global review published in the journal Vaccines. The study covered more than 20,000 participants and demonstrated lasting effects and a good safety profile.

Key Findings

  • The vaccine elicited an immune response in over 90% of adults and children against all four serotypes of the dengue-causing DENV virus.
  • Out of the 19 studies analyzed, 13 were conducted in regions of Asia and South America where dengue is endemic.
  • The vaccine showed an excellent safety profile, with immunogenicity exceeding 90% for both seropositive and seronegative participants.

Implications

The review suggests that the Qdenga vaccine, which requires two doses, could be a key tool in dengue prevention, particularly in tropical and sub-tropical regions. The vaccine is not yet approved for use in India, but efforts are underway to accelerate its availability through a strategic partnership with Biological E Limited in Hyderabad.

  • Safety Profile: The vaccine showed a strong safety profile with robust long-term effects.
  • Immune Response: Over 90% of recipients developed antibodies against all four dengue serotypes.
  • Global Impact: With the expanding habitat of dengue-carrying mosquitoes due to climate change, the vaccine's role becomes even more critical in global health.

Future Outlook

The vaccine is expected to play a crucial role in controlling dengue outbreaks in more than 100 countries where the disease is endemic, with Asia representing 70% of the global affected population. The partnership with Biological E Limited aims to ramp up production to meet the global demand, potentially providing up to 100 million doses per year within the next decade.