Vaccine

WHO Prequalifies TAK-003: Expanding Global Access to Dengue Prevention

Published May. 21. 2024

A new vaccine for dengue received prequalification from the World Health Organization (WHO) on 10 May 2024. TAK-003 is the second dengue vaccine to be prequalified by WHO. Developed by Takeda, it is a live-attenuated vaccine containing weakened versions of the four serotypes of the virus that cause dengue.

WHO recommends the use of TAK-003 in children aged 6–16 years in settings with high dengue burden and transmission intensity. The vaccine should be administered in a 2-dose schedule with a 3-month interval between doses.

“The prequalification of TAK-003 is an important step in the expansion of global access to dengue vaccines, as it is now eligible for procurement by UN agencies including UNICEF and PAHO,” said Dr. Rogerio Gaspar, WHO Director for Regulation and Prequalification. “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.”

The WHO prequalification list also includes the CYD-TDV vaccine against dengue developed by Sanofi Pasteur. Dengue is a vector-borne disease transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito. Severe dengue is a potentially lethal complication that can develop from dengue infections.

It is estimated that there are over 100-400 million cases of dengue worldwide each year and 3.8 billion people living in dengue endemic countries, most of which are in Asia, Africa, and the Americas. 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. Dengue cases are likely to increase and expand geographically due to climate change and urbanization.

Get the free newsletter

Subscribe to IMAPAC for top news, trends & analysis

Cell and Gene Therapy World Summit Brochure

    Contact Form


    [honeypot email-address move-inline-css:true]

    IMAPAC requires your contact information to reach out to you about our products and services. You can unsubscribe from these communications at any time. For details on how to unsubscribe and to learn more about our privacy practices and our commitment to protecting your privacy, please review our Privacy Policy.

    Download Brochure Sample

      Contact Form


      [honeypot email-address move-inline-css:true]

      IMAPAC requires your contact information to reach out to you about our products and services. You can unsubscribe from these communications at any time. For details on how to unsubscribe and to learn more about our privacy practices and our commitment to protecting your privacy, please review our Privacy Policy.