Takeda, a Japanese pharmaceutical company, has joined forces with India's Biological E to collaborate on the production and distribution of the Dengue vaccine. The partnership aims to address the growing need for the vaccine in India and other countries affected by the disease.

Addressing the Global Dengue Problem

Dengue fever has become a significant global health concern, with incidence rates increasing drastically over the past few decades. The partnership between Takeda and Bio E is a crucial step in combating the spread of this mosquito-borne viral disease. By leveraging their combined expertise and resources, the two companies aim to accelerate access to the Dengue vaccine, known as QDENGA.

Expanding Vaccine Supplies

The collaboration between Takeda and Bio E will play a vital role in ramping up the production of the Dengue vaccine. Takeda's President of the Global Vaccine Business Unit, Dr. Gary Dubin, emphasized the importance of this partnership in meeting the demand for the vaccine in India and other endemic countries. The multi-dose vials of the vaccine will be made available for government procurement by 2030, enabling national immunization programs to combat the disease effectively.

Accelerating Manufacturing Capacities

As part of the partnership, Bio E will increase its manufacturing capacity to produce up to 50 million doses of the Dengue vaccine annually. This expansion will support Takeda's goal of manufacturing 100 million doses per year within the next decade. The manufacturing will take place at Takeda's facility in Singen, Germany, while also benefiting from their existing partnership with IDT Biologika GmbH.

Local Trials and Regulatory Approvals

While the Dengue vaccine, TAK-003, is not yet approved for use in India, Takeda is actively working with Indian regulatory authorities to obtain the necessary licensure. Dion Warren, Takeda's Head of India and Southeast Asia multi-country organization, confirmed that they have received a "no objection certificate" and are collaborating with Indian regulators for local trials. These trials will supplement the data obtained from global trials and contribute to the vaccine's overall efficacy.

Tiered Pricing and Access Philosophy

Takeda has a well-defined access philosophy and policy of tiered pricing, allowing the company to adjust the vaccine's cost based on the economic conditions of endemic countries. While the focus is currently on the Dengue vaccine partnership, Takeda remains open to future collaborations to address other public health challenges.

By combining their resources and expertise, the two companies aim to accelerate the production and distribution of the Dengue vaccine, ensuring its availability to governments and individuals in endemic regions. With the growing global incidence of Dengue, this collaboration is a significant stride towards mitigating the impact of this widespread disease.