Takeda's Dengue Vaccine

In May, 2024, a new vaccine for dengue received prequalification from the World Health Organization (WHO).

Key Points

TAK-003: TAK-003 is the second dengue vaccine to be prequalified by WHO.
Live-attenuated Vaccine: Developed by Takeda, it is a live-attenuated vaccine containing weakened versions of the four serotypes of the virus that cause dengue.
UN Health Agency Approval: WHO greenlights Takeda's dengue vaccine for children aged 6-16, offering protection against all four types of dengue.
Global Access Expansion: Approval enables procurement by donors and UN agencies for poorer nations.
Effectiveness: Takeda's vaccine demonstrated 84% efficacy against hospitalization and 61% efficacy in symptom prevention.
Second Dengue Vaccine: Qdenga becomes the second WHO-approved dengue immunization after Sanofi Pasteur's vaccine.
Severe Dengue Risks: WHO's first-approved vaccine found to increase severe dengue risk in previously uninfected individuals.
Disease Severity: Dengue, a leading cause of illness and death, can lead to severe complications including internal bleeding and organ failure.
Epidemic Surge: Recent dengue outbreaks in the Americas prompt emergency declarations and mass vaccinations, highlighting the urgent need for preventive measures.