CDSCO Approves Qdenga as India's First Dengue Vaccine
- CDSCO has granted marketing authorisation for Qdenga, making it India's first approved dengue vaccine.
- The vaccine is developed by Japanese drugmaker Takeda and targets all four dengue virus serotypes.
- It is recommended for individuals aged four years and older, including those with prior dengue infection.
India's drug regulator has approved the first vaccine against dengue for use in the country. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) granted marketing authorisation to Qdenga, a vaccine developed by Japanese pharmaceutical company Takeda.
The approval marks a significant step in the fight against a disease that affects lakhs of Indians every year. Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection that can cause severe flu-like symptoms and, in some cases, turn fatal.
What is Qdenga?
Qdenga is a live-attenuated vaccine designed to protect against all four serotypes of the dengue virus. Unlike some earlier vaccines that required prior infection for effectiveness, Qdenga can be administered to individuals who have not been previously infected.
The vaccine is based on a weakened version of the dengue virus. Clinical trials have shown it reduces the risk of hospitalisation from dengue by more than 80 percent.
Who can take it?
The CDSCO has cleared Qdenga for use in individuals aged four years and older. This includes people who have had a previous dengue infection. The vaccine is given as a two-dose schedule, with the second shot administered three months after the first.
Health experts say the approval is particularly timely. Dengue cases have been rising across India, with outbreaks occurring in both urban and rural areas. The monsoon season typically sees a spike in mosquito-borne diseases.
How does it compare to existing options?
Before Qdenga, India had no locally approved dengue vaccine. The only other widely known dengue vaccine, Dengvaxia by Sanofi Pasteur, carries restrictions. It is recommended only for those who have had a prior dengue infection, as it can increase the risk of severe disease in seronegative individuals.
Qdenga does not have this limitation. The World Health Organization has prequalified the vaccine, and it is already in use in several countries, including Indonesia and Brazil. Takeda has said it will work with Indian health authorities to ensure the vaccine is accessible and affordable.
What happens next?
The vaccine will now be introduced into the Indian market. The government has not yet announced a national rollout plan. It remains to be seen whether Qdenga will be included in the public immunisation programme or made available only through private channels. Pricing details have not been disclosed. Public health officials will be watching the uptake closely, especially ahead of the next dengue season.