The conditional approval of Takeda’s Qdenga dengue vaccine in Malaysia has garnered the endorsement of experts as a pivotal tool in combatting the dengue epidemic. The World Health Organization’s (WHO) Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) has given its backing to the use of this vaccine without the need for pre-vaccination screening. This approval is seen as a significant breakthrough in the ongoing battle against dengue, as highlighted by experts in the field.
Malaysia’s Drug Control Authority (DCA) recently granted conditional approval for the use of Takeda’s Qdenga dengue vaccine for individuals aged four years and above. While it is acknowledged that the vaccine alone cannot entirely solve Malaysia’s escalating dengue crisis, experts emphasise its potential to notably reduce hospitalisations, especially in areas heavily burdened by the disease. With an 86 per cent rise in dengue cases and a 79 per cent increase in dengue-related deaths compared to the previous year, there is a pressing need for a multi-faceted approach that includes both vector control and vaccination strategies.
Results from Qdenga’s Phase 3 trial have revealed encouraging efficacy rates against symptomatic dengue and hospitalisation. The vaccine showed an efficacy of 61.2 per cent against symptomatic dengue and an impressive 84.1 per cent against hospitalisation. The Tetravalent Immunisation against Dengue Efficacy Study (TIDES) demonstrated the long-term efficacy and safety of the vaccine, providing further reassurance to healthcare professionals and the public alike.
The Qdenga dengue vaccine, also known as TAK-003, is based on a live-attenuated dengue serotype 2 virus, offering protection against all four dengue virus serotypes. Virologists have lauded the safety profile of Qdenga, noting that it has been generally well-tolerated with no significant safety concerns identified during the TIDES trial. The availability of Qdenga in various countries including those in the European Union, the United Kingdom, Indonesia, Thailand, and Brazil underscores its global importance in the fight against dengue.
Experts have proposed the implementation of a pilot vaccination programme using Qdenga in high-burden areas to assess its efficacy against specific dengue virus serotypes. This targeted approach could provide valuable insights into the vaccine’s effectiveness in different populations, particularly in regions where certain serotypes are prevalent. By focusing on areas with high dengue prevalence such as the Klang Valley, researchers aim to gather data that could inform future vaccination strategies and public health initiatives.
The call for increased research and development (R&D) investment in dengue is echoed by experts, highlighting the need to address this neglected tropical disease more comprehensively. Drawing parallels with diseases like malaria that have benefitted from substantial R&D funding, experts stress the importance of prioritising dengue research to enhance prevention and control efforts. By investing in R&D, countries can better equip themselves to tackle emerging health threats and protect vulnerable populations from infectious diseases like dengue.
The conditional approval of Takeda’s Qdenga dengue vaccine represents a significant milestone in Malaysia’s fight against dengue. With promising efficacy rates and a favourable safety profile, this vaccine has the potential to alleviate the burden of dengue-related hospitalisations and contribute to a comprehensive approach to dengue prevention and control. By leveraging targeted vaccination strategies and increasing investment in research and development, countries can strengthen their defences against dengue and other infectious diseases, ultimately safeguarding public health and well-being.
