Takeda Launches Malaysia's First Dengue Vaccine, Qdenga

Malaysia takes a significant step towards fighting life-threatening diseases, as the country recently welcomed a new vaccine for dengue, manufactured by Japanese pharmaceutical company Takeda.

Called Qdenga, the new dengue vaccine was officially launched on June 11, following The Drug Control Authority‘s approval for its use earlier this year. Qdenga is now the first dengue vaccine available in the country.

According to Takeda, the vaccine fights all four dengue virus serotypes and can be given to individuals aged four and above. It also requires two doses, administered at a three-month interval, and is approved for use regardless of past dengue infections.

In a fact sheet unveiled by the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency, it was shown that clinical trials for Qdenga reduced hospitalization due to dengue by 90%.

However, the vaccine is not recommended to be administered to individuals with hypersensitivity to specific active substances, congenital or acquired immune deficiency, symptomatic and asymptomatic HIV infection, pregnant women, or breastfeeding women.

Currently, Qdenga is approved for use in the European Union (EU), the United Kingdom, Brazil, Argentina, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand, among others.

Dengue cases in Malaysia have been on the rise in 2024, with about 18,000 cases and nine deaths reported during the first five weeks alone.

Qdenga is now available in various private hospitals and clinics in the country. Click here to learn more.