(Reuters) -The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Wednesday that it had cleared Takeda Pharmaceuticals’ dengue vaccine, giving international procurement agencies another option against the disease that affects millions of people each year.
The approval, called a prequalification, comes amidst a surge in mosquito-borne viral infections across Asia, Africa, and the Americas, including new spread into previously unaffected areas.
Last year, the UN agency reported an estimated 5 million cases and over 5000 deaths due to the disease – the largest on record.
Takeda’s vaccine, given in two doses over a three-month interval, protects against four serotypes of the dengue virus. It was cleared by WHO for use in children aged 6 to 16 in areas with high infection rates.
The prequalification makes it eligible for procurement by United Nations agencies like UNICEF and Pan American Health Organization.
The shot, branded Qdenga, is already approved in countries like Indonesia, Thailand, Argentina and Brazil, and was also authorized in the European Union in 2022.
The Japanese firm is discussing approval with the Indian drug regulator for use in the dengue-endemic country. In February, it partnered with Indian vaccine maker Biological E to increase production.
The WHO’s clearance of Takeda Dengue Vaccine signals a new phase in the fight against dengue. As countries grapple with the challenges posed by dengue outbreaks, vaccination offers a promising solution.
Furthermore, this clearance reflects the global community’s commitment to addressing infectious diseases and improving public health.
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