Cambodia Eyes Approval for India-Made Dengue Vaccine for Ages 4-60

Cambodia is moving towards the potential introduction of India's first dengue vaccine, QDENGA, developed by Takeda Biopharmaceuticals India. The vaccine has received market authorization from India's Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) for individuals aged between 4 and 60 years. A key advantage of QDENGA is its applicability irrespective of a person's prior dengue infection status, eliminating the need for pre-vaccination screening. Globally, since its launch in 2022, QDENGA has been approved in 43 countries, with over 32 million doses distributed. Takeda representatives stated that the approval in Cambodia would mark a significant step in strengthening dengue prevention efforts in the country. The company's global clinical development program, comprising 19 Phase I, II, and III clinical trials with over 28,000 participants across dengue-endemic and non-endemic nations, supported the regulatory decisions. The vaccine is administered as a two-dose regimen, with subcutaneous injections given three months apart. Takeda highlighted that the vaccine's approval is crucial for bolstering Cambodia's comprehensive dengue prevention strategy, which includes vector control, surveillance, and community awareness initiatives. Dengue fever is a significant public health concern in Cambodia, with outbreaks often occurring during the rainy season. The introduction of QDENGA is anticipated to contribute to public health protection and reduce the burden on the healthcare system.