India is expected to get its first dengue vaccine in the first half of 2027 following an agreement between Dr Reddy’s Laboratories and Japanese pharmaceutical company Takeda Pharmaceutical. Under the deal, Dr Reddy’s will promote and distribute Takeda’s Qdenga dengue vaccine in India.
Qdenga became the first dengue vaccine to receive approval from India’s drug regulator in July. The vaccine is expected to become available in the country during the first half of 2027, subject to market authorisation and regulatory evaluation.
“We are progressing well and remain on track toward our goal of reaching a global manufacturing capacity of 100 million doses per year by 2030,” Takeda Pharmaceutical said in July.
What Is Qdenga Dengue Vaccine?
Qdenga is designed to provide protection against all four dengue virus serotypes. According to Takeda Pharmaceutical, it is intended for children and adults between four and 60 years of age.
In a late-stage clinical trial earlier this year, the vaccine demonstrated 80.2% efficacy against confirmed dengue infections one year after the second dose. After 18 months, it showed 90.4% efficacy in preventing dengue-related hospitalisations, meeting the study’s secondary endpoint.
Qdenga is administered through two 0.5 ml injections given three months apart. It can be administered regardless of whether a person has previously been exposed to dengue, meaning pre-vaccination testing is not required.
Dengue Remains a Major Concern in India
Dengue continues to pose a significant public health challenge across tropical and subtropical regions, including India. Seasonal outbreaks can put additional pressure on healthcare facilities, particularly during and after the monsoon season.
According to provisional data from the National Centre for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC), India recorded 1,13,450 dengue cases and 95 deaths in 2025. Dengue cases generally increase around the monsoon period, when stagnant water provides breeding conditions for Aedes mosquitoes.
Takeda has said that reported dengue cases in India have increased 11-fold over the past two decades. The introduction of Qdenga is expected to provide another tool for dengue prevention alongside mosquito-control efforts and other public health measures.
When Will Qdenga Be Available in India?
Qdenga is expected to become available in India in the first half of 2027 following the necessary market authorisation and regulatory evaluation. The agreement between Dr Reddy’s Laboratories and Takeda Pharmaceutical is expected to support the vaccine’s promotion and distribution in the Indian market.
With dengue continuing to affect thousands of people across the country, the planned introduction of Qdenga marks a significant development in India’s efforts to expand available options for dengue prevention.