Latest inventions in science and technology
Dengue Vaccine – QDENGA (TAK-003)
- Context: Recently, the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) approved Takeda Biopharmaceuticals India’s QDENGA (TAK-003), making it the first dengue vaccine to receive approval in India.
About QDENGA (TAK-003)
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- Type: A live-attenuated tetravalent vaccine that provides protection against all four types (serotypes) of the dengue virus.
- Dosage: Two 0.5 ml subcutaneous injections, given three months apart.
- Age Group: Approved for people aged 4 to 60 years.
- No Pre-Screening Needed: People do not need a dengue test before vaccination, making it easier to use.
- WHO Recommendation: Recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for dengue-endemic areas with high transmission.
- WHO Prequalification: Allows agencies like UNICEF and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) to procure the vaccine.
- Global Approval: Already approved for use in 43 countries across Asia, Latin America, and Europe.
- Significance for India: The approval brings India in line with WHO-recommended strategies for dengue prevention and control.
