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21 July 2026

DCGI approves India's first dengue vaccine QDENGA for ages 4 to 60

The approval of India's first dengue vaccine marks a significant advancement in biotechnology and public health intervention for a disease where India bears a massive burden.

2 min read 2 questions 2 prelims

Notes

  • Approval & Developer: The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) granted market authorisation to Takeda Biopharmaceuticals India for QDENGA (TAK-003), making it India's first approved dengue vaccine.
  • Target Demographic & Regimen: Approved for individuals aged 4 to 60 years as a two-dose regimen administered three months apart.
  • Vaccine Platform & Serotype Coverage: It is a live-attenuated tetravalent vaccine designed to provide protection against all four dengue virus serotypes.
  • Administration Criteria: Can be administered regardless of prior dengue infection history and does not require pre-vaccination screening.
  • Clinical Efficacy: Phase III trials demonstrated 80.2% efficacy against virologically confirmed dengue at 12 months after the second dose, and 90.4% efficacy against dengue-related hospitalisation at 18 months.
  • Disease Burden in India: Reported dengue cases in India have increased nearly 11-fold over the past two decades, with India accounting for nearly one-third of the global dengue burden.
  • Global Distribution: QDENGA has been approved in 43 countries across Asia, Latin America, and Europe, with over 32 million doses distributed.

Questions

  1. Discuss the significance of approving live-attenuated tetravalent vaccines in addressing the escalating public health burden of vector-borne communicable diseases in India. 150 words
    Attempt this — 150 words in 8 min
    0 / 150 words 8:00
  2. India accounts for nearly one-third of the global dengue burden. Examine the public health and infrastructural challenges in controlling dengue outbreaks in India, and evaluate the role of biotechnology interventions in strengthening disease prevention strategies. 250 words
    Attempt this — 250 words in 11 min
    0 / 250 words 11:00

Prelims

  1. With reference to the dengue vaccine QDENGA (TAK-003) approved by the DCGI, consider the following statements: 1. It is a live-attenuated tetravalent vaccine covering all four dengue virus serotypes. 2. Pre-vaccination screening is mandatory to determine prior dengue infection before administration. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  2. Regarding the administration schedule and target demographic for QDENGA in India, consider the following statements: 1. It is approved for individuals aged 4 to 60 years. 2. It is administered as a two-dose regimen given three months apart. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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