Kuala Lumpur: The World Health Organization has said it prequalified a new dengue vaccine, Tak-003, on May 10.
Tak-003, developed by Takeda, is the second dengue vaccine to be prequalified by WHO, which said it is a live-attenuated vaccine containing weakened versions of the four serotypes of the virus that cause dengue.
“We recommend the use of Tak-003 in children, ages six to 16, in settings with high dengue burden and transmission intensity.
“The vaccine should be administered in a two-dose schedule with a three-month interval between doses,” WHO said in a statement yesterday.
WHO director for regulation and prequalification Dr Rogerio Gaspar said the prequalification of Tak-003 is an important step in the expansion of global access to dengue vaccines.
“It is now eligible for procurement by UN agencies, including the United Nations Children’s Fund and Pan American Health Organization.
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“With only two dengue vaccines to date prequalified, we look forward to more vaccine developers coming forward for assessment, so that we can ensure vaccines reach all communities who need it,” he said.
The WHO prequalification list also includes the CYD-TDV dengue vaccine developed by Sanofi Pasteur.
The largest number of dengue cases reported was in 2023 with the WHO region of the Americas reporting 4.5 million cases and 2,300 deaths.
WHO said dengue cases are likely to increase and expand geographically because of climate change and urbanisation.
