The WHO has recently announced the pre-qualification of the dengue vaccine that was developed by Takeda Pharmaceuticals and was branded by the name Qdenga. The pre-qualification opened the doors for the procurement of the vaccine on an international level. It has also been successful in eliciting hope among healthcare professionals to serve humanity with a new weapon to fight against this deadly mosquito-borne disease. The current article elucidates the background of the dengue epidemic, the importance of vaccine development, and its impacts on global health especially in areas with high risks of contracting the disease.
The Worldwide Dengue Epidemic
A Growing Threat
Dengue is a quick-onset viral illness mainly caused by the dengue virus and transmitted by the Aedes mosquito. This viral infection is very common in tropical and subtropical countries of Asia, Africa, and America. Recently, dengue has also begun to spread toward non-endemic destinations, thus further increasing the global health risk. In 2023, WHO reported over 6.5 million cases of dengue fever and over 7300 resultant deaths occurred which was the largest outbreak on record.
Symptoms and Complications
The symptoms of dengue fever range from mild flu-like symptoms to severe forms such as Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) and Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS). Typical symptoms include high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle aches, rash, and mild bleeding. In severe dengue hemorrhagic fever, especially in young children and the elderly, bleeding, impairment of bodily organs, and even death can occur.
The Science Behind Qdenga
Development and Effectiveness
The aim of Takeda’s dengue vaccine, named Qdenga, is to provide protection against all the four serotypes of the dengue virus. It is designed to be administered in two doses with an interval of three months between doses. The vaccine is highly important for fighting against this disease on a global scale with the assumption that it will significantly reduce the occurrence of dengue fever.
WHO Prequalification
WHO Prequalification of Qdenga verifies that the developed vaccine is effective and ensures that it meets the global standards of safety, quality, and efficacy. This verification is necessary for the procurement of the vaccine by the United Nations Agencies including UNICEF and the Pan American Health Organisation. This is a recommendation that the vaccine can be used in various countries where the risk of contracting the dengue virus is very high.
Approval and Deployment
The Qdenga vaccine has received approval for use in several countries like Indonesia, Thailand, Argentina, and Brazil. It also received approval for authorization in the European Union in 2022. The current approval from WHO ensures that the vaccine is safe and effective for international use with prior approval from local regulatory authorities.
Implications for Global Health
Making Vaccination Accessible to All
The prequalification of Qdenga provides accessibility of the vaccine to areas that are highly prone to the disease. The international procurement of this vaccine will enable developing countries with smaller budgets to avail the benefits of this vaccine.
Reducing Disease Burden
Dengue fever cases will be substantially reduced with the help of Qdenga in endemic regions which may further contribute to strengthening the health infrastructure. Appropriate vaccination coverage of the susceptible population may reduce hospitalization, economic upsets, and consequently a decrease in mortality. A healthier population and consequently better quality of life for virtually millions of people living in dengue-prone areas will be achieved.
Strategic Implementation
Implementation of the dengue vaccination program should be well thought out. High-risk areas should be factored in with assured dengue vaccine supply chain and intensive public sensitization campaigns. All the above may be done only if these are worked out in collaboration with international bodies and local communities which can ensure high vaccination coverage along with monitoring of the impact of the vaccine in reducing disease burden.
Role of MIS
At Microbe Investigations Switzerland, we understand the significance of vaccine breakthroughs. Our specialized testing services are designed to support vaccine developers at every stage, ensuring safety, efficacy, and compliance with international standards. With our expert team and state-of-the-art facilities, MIS is committed to advancing public health through meticulous and reliable testing.
To learn more about how our testing services can support your vaccine development projects, or to schedule a consultation, please contact our specialists today.
