The Health Ministry of Malaysia has been called upon to explore the possibility of licensing the Qdenga (TAK-003) dengue vaccine, developed by Japan-based pharmaceutical company Takeda. This appeal comes in response to the rising number of dengue cases reported in the country. Professor Emeritus Datuk Dr Lam Sai Kit, a virologist and senior fellow at the Academy of Sciences Malaysia, in a news report emphasised the importance of addressing this public health concern promptly.
Unlike the Dengvaxia vaccine, developed by Sanofi Pasteur and approved for marketing in various parts of the world since 2015, the Qdenga vaccine does not require pre-vaccination testing. It has been authorised for use regardless of prior dengue exposure. Dr Lam stressed the need for the Health Ministry to expedite the licensing of the Qdenga vaccine, enabling individuals seeking vaccination to access it without delay. His statement also highlighted the alarming surge in dengue cases, as reported by the ministry’s statistics.
During the 48th Epidemiological Week (from November 26 to December 2) of last year, the number of dengue cases in Malaysia skyrocketed to 111,417. This figure represents a staggering 91.3% increase compared to the same period in 2022, when 58,239 cases were recorded. The severity of the situation underscores the urgency to take proactive measures against dengue.
Takeda Pharmaceutical, the manufacturer of the Qdenga vaccine, obtained regulatory approval from the European Union for its dengue fever vaccine in December 2022. This approval marked the second vaccine authorised by the bloc for preventing dengue. Takeda Pharmaceutical stated that the vaccine received approval from the European Commission for individuals aged four and above, regardless of their previous exposure to the virus.
In October of the previous year, the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (Sage) recommended the use of the Qdenga vaccine. Sage’s recommendations included the introduction of the vaccine in areas with a high burden of dengue disease and high transmission intensity. Notably, Indonesia has already approved Qdenga for use in individuals aged 6 to 45.
The Qdenga vaccine is developed using the DENV-2 strain of the dengue virus, which has been weakened, with DNA from the other three serotypes incorporated. Data from a pivotal trial demonstrated that the vaccine can stimulate immune responses against all four types of the dengue virus.
The potential licensing of the Qdenga vaccine in Malaysia presents a significant opportunity to combat the growing dengue crisis. By making this vaccine available, the Health Ministry can empower individuals who wish to be vaccinated, contributing to the overall efforts to curb the spread of dengue.
Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection that poses a substantial threat to public health. The disease is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, including Malaysia. It is transmitted by the Aedes mosquito, primarily the Aedes aegypti species. Symptoms of dengue can range from mild to severe, with severe cases potentially leading to dengue haemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome, which can be life-threatening.
Efforts to combat dengue typically involve vector control measures, such as eliminating mosquito breeding sites and using insecticides. However, vaccination has emerged as an essential tool in preventing the disease. The availability of the Qdenga vaccine in Malaysia would provide an additional layer of defence against dengue, potentially reducing the burden on healthcare systems and sparing individuals from the debilitating effects of the disease.
