In February 2024 Takeda announced that it has entered a strategic partnership to “accelerate access to QDENGA”. In collaboration with India-based Biological E. Limited (BE) it hopes to ensure doses will be available for procurement by governments in endemic countries by 2030 at the latest. The partnership builds on existing manufacturing capacity at Takeda’s facility in Germany.
Multi-dose vials (MDVs) offer “economic and logistical advantages” to National Immunisation Programmes through a reduction in packaging and storage expenses. Furthermore, they reduce medical and environmental waste. BE is to “ramp up” to a manufacturing capacity up to 50 million doses a year, supporting Takeda’s efforts to produce 100 million doses a year within the decade.
Dengue and QDENGA
Dengue is one of the most common mosquito-borne viral diseases with global incidence rates increasing “30-fold” over the last 50 years. Takeda suggests that this increase is “due to urbanisation, travel, and climate change”. It is endemic in more than 100 countries. QDENGA (TAK-003) is a live-attenuated dengue serotype 2 vaccine designed to protect against any of the four dengue virus serotypes.
Dr Gary Dubin, president of the Global Vaccine Business Unit at Takeda, stated that the team’s “long-term goal” for the programme is to “make QDENGA broadly available to those at risk who may benefit from immunisation”.
“Within the last year, we’ve successfully launched in private markets, are now launching in some public programmes, and working with partners to support a broader public health impact.”
Dr Dubin is “proud” of the strategic manufacturing partnership with Biological E, recognising their “deep expertise in vaccine manufacturing and longstanding support of public health programmes around the world”.
“Together we will help combat dengue on a global scale by significantly increasing manufacturing capacity for multi-dose vials of QDENGA to drive sustainable access to the vaccine in more endemic countries.”
Ms Mahima Datla is Biological E’s managing director and is “proud to collaborate with Takeda in the production of their groundbreaking Dengue Tetravalent Vaccine”.
“Takeda’s commitment to patient-focused, value-based research and development aligns extremely well with our dedication to advancing healthcare. We are fortunate to have created an institute that attracts such strong global partners for complex vaccines and underscores our shared mission of shaping a healthier future for all.”
Ms Datla is “honoured” to share “Takeda’s esteemed history and global presence” to advance the vision of “delivering highly innovative medicines and transformative care worldwide”.
For more on the challenges and opportunities of vaccine development for viruses like dengue, join us for the panel at the Congress in Washington this April or subscribe to our newsletters here.
