India's first dengue vaccine to launch in 2027

India’s first dengue vaccine, Qdenga, is expected to reach the private market in the first half of 2027. The vaccine, developed by Japanese pharmaceutical company Takeda, will be launched in India in partnership with Dr Reddy’s Laboratories.

The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) authorised Qdenga in July for people aged four to 60. However, clinicians have raised concerns about its effectiveness and safety, including protection against different dengue strains and the risk of severe disease in later infections.

India has reported over 200,000 dengue cases in 2024, the highest number ever recorded. Official counts are believed to understate the true burden, with one study estimating actual cases at 282 times the reported number. Dengue is now a year-round issue in the country, rather than a seasonal one.

Dr Sanjeev Bagai, a leading paediatrician, has expressed doubts about the vaccine’s long-term protection. Trial results show Qdenga reduces hospitalisations and confirmed dengue cases, but protection varies by serotype and prior exposure. Bagai questions whether the vaccine’s effectiveness will hold over time in India’s diverse population.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends Qdenga for children aged six to 16 in high-transmission areas but warns about uncertainty in protection against certain dengue strains. It advises against routine use in low-to-moderate transmission regions until more data is available.

Dr Bagai also raises concerns about antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE), where prior infections may increase the risk of severe disease. He emphasizes the need to understand how existing immune responses interact with the vaccine, particularly in light of prior infections like COVID-19 and influenza.