India, July 23 -- India has taken a significant step in dengue prevention with the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) granting approval to QDENGA, the country's first dengue vaccine Takeda. Approved for individuals aged four to 60 years, the vaccine is expected to reach the Indian market next year, marking a major milestone in the country's fight against one of its fastest growing vector borne diseases. The vaccine is designed to protect against all four dengue virus serotypes and can be administered without prior dengue infection or pre-vaccination testing. Speaking on the development, Manisha Arora, Director - Internal Medicine at CK Birla Hospital(R), Delhi, said the expected price of the vaccine in India is likely to be below Rs 10,000, although the final cost will be known closer to its launch.

She added that the availability of doses is yet to be confirmed, but considering the country's large population, efforts should ensure that the vaccine is accessible to everyone and not limited only to those who can afford it. "We are looking forward to support from the government so that wider availability can be ensured," she said. Arora described the approval as an important milestone, noting that developing a vaccine capable of providing protection against all dengue infections has been extremely challenging. She said QDENGA offers protection against all four dengue virus serotypes through two doses administered three months apart, without requiring any prior dengue infection. According to her, many households have lost young patients to dengue fever, a disease that could be better controlled if infections are prevented. She added that after completing the recommended doses, protection could last throughout life, although the level of protection may reduce over time. She advised that individuals with low immunity, including those living with HIV, diabetes or pregnancy, should remain cautious. The vaccine is approved only for people between four and 60 years of age, and its common side effects are expected to be mild, including headache and fever.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.