New Delhi: HL July 20, 2026
India has taken a significant step in strengthening its fight against dengue after the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) approved QDENGA (TAK-003), the country’s first licensed vaccine against the mosquito-borne disease. Developed by Japanese pharmaceutical company Takeda, the vaccine is designed to provide protection against all four dengue virus serotypes, offering a new preventive option as dengue cases continue to rise across the country.
QDENGA is a live-attenuated tetravalent vaccine administered in two doses, spaced three months apart. One of its major advantages is that it can be given without requiring a prior blood test to determine whether a person has previously been infected with dengue, making it easier to implement in large-scale vaccination programmes.
The vaccine has already received regulatory approval in more than 40 countries, including the United Kingdom, European Union, Brazil, Indonesia and Argentina. With India’s approval, health experts believe the country has added an important tool to complement existing dengue prevention measures.
Clinical data from an international Phase III study involving over 20,000 participants showed that QDENGA reduced dengue-related hospitalisations by about 84% and offered around 61% protection against confirmed dengue infections over several years of follow-up. The vaccine also demonstrated protection against severe dengue in individuals with and without previous dengue infection.
India records one of the world’s highest dengue burdens, with seasonal outbreaks placing considerable pressure on healthcare facilities, particularly during the monsoon and post-monsoon months. Until now, dengue prevention has largely depended on mosquito control, elimination of breeding sites, early diagnosis and supportive medical care.
The vaccine’s price and commercial launch date in India are yet to be announced. However, Takeda has partnered with Hyderabad-based Biological E to manufacture up to 50 million doses annually, a move expected to improve availability and potentially reduce costs in the future.
Public health experts have emphasised that while the vaccine marks a major advancement, it is not a replacement for mosquito control measures. Eliminating stagnant water, preventing mosquito breeding, using repellents and seeking timely medical care will remain essential components of dengue prevention.
The approval of QDENGA is expected to strengthen India’s public health response by helping reduce severe dengue cases, hospital admissions and the overall disease burden in the years ahead.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational and news purposes only. It should not be considered medical advice or a substitute for consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. The availability, eligibility, pricing, and use of the QDENGA vaccine in India will be subject to the prescribing information and guidelines issued by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), the Ministry of Health, and healthcare providers. Individuals should consult their doctor before making any vaccination-related decisions.
