If you've ever spent sleepless nights swatting away mosquitoes or nursing the painful symptoms of dengue, there's finally some encouraging news. A breakthrough vaccine, TAK-003, developed by Japanese pharmaceutical company Takeda, is slated to be launched in India by 2026, thanks to a manufacturing partnership with Hyderabad-based Biological E (Bio E). This initiative aligns with the government’s ‘Make in India’ campaign and aims to curb the rising tide of dengue cases across the country.

Global Recognition, Local Action

TAK-003 was prequalified by the World Health Organization (WHO) in May 2024, marking it as a safe and effective option for global use. Since its commercial debut in 2023, the vaccine has been approved in 40 countries, including Brazil, Thailand, and several EU nations, with over 10 million doses administered to date.

While India has not approved the vaccine for public use yet, local trials have been cleared by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), paving the way for its eventual release.

How TAK-003 Works: Full-Spectrum Protection

Unlike earlier vaccines such as Sanofi’s Dengvaxia—which is only advised for people with prior dengue exposure—TAK-003 works for both previously infected and uninfected individuals. It is a tetravalent live-attenuated vaccine, meaning it contains weakened versions of all four dengue virus serotypes (DENV-1 to DENV-4). These strains are modified so they don’t cause disease but still prompt a strong immune response, training the body to fight real infections effectively.

Who Should—and Shouldn't—Get the Vaccine?

According to WHO guidelines, TAK-003 is recommended for children aged 6 to 16 in dengue-endemic areas. It is not advised for:

Children under 6 years (due to lower efficacy)

Pregnant or breastfeeding women

Immunocompromised individuals or those on strong immunosuppressants

People with symptomatic or advanced HIV infection

For adults aged up to 60 with comorbidities, vaccination may be considered under medical supervision, especially if they live in areas with a high burden of severe dengue cases.

TAK-003 follows a two-dose schedule, administered three months apart. No booster shots are currently required, with clinical data showing protection lasting up to 4.5 years. Further research is underway to assess the need for booster doses.

Manufacturing in India: Scaling Up for Impact

Takeda’s collaboration with Bio E aims to produce up to 50 million doses annually, with a dual-pricing strategy for the public and private sectors. Though specific prices haven't been disclosed, this approach aims to ensure affordability and access.

Importantly, Bio E will be the exclusive global manufacturer of multi-dose vials, which are more economical and efficient for mass vaccination campaigns. Takeda’s current facility in Germany only produces single-dose vials.

Medical experts and the WHO emphasize that the vaccine should be part of a multi-pronged strategy—not a standalone fix. Ongoing vector control, such as reducing stagnant water and improving sanitation, remains essential.

Why It Matters Now

India reported a staggering 230,000 dengue cases and 236 deaths in 2024, according to the National Center for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC). The introduction of TAK-003 could be a game-changer, offering protection to millions in high-risk zones.

With hope on the horizon, TAK-003 could turn the tide in India's ongoing battle against one of its most persistent mosquito-borne threats.