The fight against dengue fever in Malaysia takes a significant leap forward with the introduction of Takeda’s Qdenga® (Dengue Tetravalent Vaccine [Live, Attenuated]). This innovative vaccine, recently approved by the Drug Control Authority (DCA) Malaysia, offers protection against all four dengue virus serotypes for individuals aged four years and above. It is now available in most private hospitals and clinics across the country.
Qdenga® is notable for its ability to provide broad protection without requiring pre-vaccination testing, making it accessible to a wider population. Clinical trials have demonstrated its impressive efficacy, showing 80.2% overall protection against dengue after 12 months and 90.4% protection against hospitalization after 18 months.[ihc-hide-content ihc_mb_type=”block” ihc_mb_who=”unreg” ihc_mb_template=”3″ ]
Dr. Lynette Moey, Country General Manager of Takeda Malaysia & Singapore, highlighted the significance of Qdenga® in enhancing Malaysia’s dengue prevention efforts. “Effective dengue prevention requires a multi-faceted approach. The availability of Qdenga® is a crucial addition to our current integrated dengue prevention and management strategies. We are committed to partnering with local health authorities and experts to ensure Qdenga® is accessible to all eligible Malaysians who may benefit from immunization.”
Burden of Dengue in Malaysia
The global incidence of dengue has surged over the past two decades, affecting approximately 129 countries. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), dengue cases have escalated from 500,000 in 2000 to 5.2 million in 2019, with Asia bearing 70% of the burden.
In Malaysia, dengue cases have similarly seen a steep rise. In 2023, there were 123,133 reported cases—an 86.3% increase from the previous year. Dengue-related deaths also rose by 78.6%, predominantly in Selangor. The first quarter of 2024 alone reported 41,565 cases and 28 deaths, indicating a continuing upward trend.
Professor Datuk Dr. Zulkifli Ismail, Chairman of Dengue Prevention Advocacy Malaysia (DPAM), highlighted the pressing need for comprehensive dengue management. “Dengue weighs heavily on us as a nation. Despite intensive efforts, cases continue to climb. To effectively combat dengue, we need a unified effort from the government, private sector, academic institutions, and the community. Vaccination will be an additional armamentarium complementing current efforts.”
Qdenga®’s Efficacy and Global Reach
The Qdenga® clinical trial achieved its primary endpoint by preventing 80.2% of symptomatic dengue cases at 12 months post-vaccination. Furthermore, it demonstrated 90.4% efficacy in preventing hospitalizations at 18 months and sustained overall efficacy of 84.1% and 61.2% against hospitalized and symptomatic dengue, respectively, over 54 months.
Qdenga® is now approved in over 30 countries, including the European Union, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Argentina, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia. The WHO has included Qdenga® in its List of Prequalified Vaccines, endorsing its quality and suitability for public immunization programs.
Malaysians are encouraged to consult their healthcare providers in private hospitals and clinics to learn more about this new vaccine and how it can contribute to dengue prevention and protection.
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