WHO Prequalifies New Dengue Vaccine TAK-003

The World Health Organization (WHO) has prequalified a new dengue vaccine called TAK-003, developed by Takeda Pharmaceuticals.

This is the second dengue vaccine to receive WHO prequalification, following Sanofi Pasteur's CYD-TDV.

Key Points about TAK-003:

1. Target Population: Recommended for children aged 6-16 years in areas with high dengue burden and transmission intensity.
2. Dosage: Administered in a 2-dose schedule with a 3-month interval between doses.
3. Vaccine Type: Live-attenuated vaccine containing weakened versions of the four serotypes of the dengue virus.
4. Significance: This prequalification makes TAK-003 eligible for procurement by UN agencies like UNICEF and PAHO, expanding global access to dengue vaccines.

About WHO Vaccine prequalification

1. It was created in 1987 to assure the quality of vaccines distributed by UN purchasing agencies.
2. Vaccines showing positive outcomes after evaluation of relevant data, testing of samples and WHO inspection of relevant manufacturing sites are included in the list.
3. However, inclusion in the list does not imply approval of vaccines and manufacturing sites by the WHO.

• Such approval is a prerogative of the National Regulatory Authorities.

4. Yet, pre-qualification is an important step in the expansion of global access to vaccines as it
5. enables procurement by UN agencies including UNICEF and PAHO (Pan American Health Organization).
6. Other vector-borne disease for which vaccines are included in this list include malaria, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, Rabies, etc.

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