Dr Reddy's, Takeda Ink Deal to Launch Dengue Vaccine QDENGA in India's Private Market in 2027
Hyderabad: Dr Reddy's Laboratories and Takeda Pharmaceutical Company have entered into an exclusive collaboration to promote and distribute QDENGA, Takeda's dengue vaccine, in India's private healthcare market.
The partnership will cover both paediatric and adult vaccination. Subject to the completion of applicable processes with local authorities, the vaccine is expected to become available in India during the first half of 2027.
QDENGA received marketing authorisation from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) in July 2026 for use in individuals aged four to 60 years. According to the companies, it is the first dengue vaccine to receive approval in India.
Under the agreement, Dr Reddy’s will be exclusively responsible for promoting, marketing and distributing QDENGA in India’s private market. Takeda will retain the rights to commercialise the vaccine in the country’s public market and will remain responsible for its manufacture and import.
Takeda will also retain legal ownership of the vaccine and continue to oversee its medical, regulatory and brand strategy in India. The agreement does not involve any upfront consideration or milestone payments, while the remaining commercial terms have been kept confidential.
The two companies will jointly support disease awareness, engagement with healthcare professionals and the private-market introduction of the vaccine in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements.
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The collaboration comes amid continuing concern over India’s dengue burden. According to information shared by the companies, reported dengue cases in the country have increased substantially over the past two decades. Surveillance findings have also shown that all four dengue virus serotypes—DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3 and DENV-4—are circulating across multiple regions.
M.V. Ramana, CEO, Global Generics, Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, described the approval of India’s first dengue vaccine as an important development for the country’s healthcare landscape.
“Through our collaboration with Takeda, we look forward to making QDENGA available to eligible individuals and contributing to efforts aimed at addressing the country’s dengue burden,” he said.
Dr Mahender Nayak, Head of Intercontinental Markets, International Business Unit, Takeda, said the company remained committed to supporting India’s evolving healthcare needs and expanding access to dengue vaccination.
He also referred to the Parliamentary Committee on Health’s recommendation that a dengue vaccine be considered for inclusion in the Universal Immunisation Programme. In the meantime, the partnership with Dr Reddy’s is expected to facilitate access through the private market once QDENGA becomes commercially available.
QDENGA, also known as TAK-003, is a live-attenuated tetravalent vaccine designed to provide protection against all four dengue virus serotypes. It is administered as a two-dose regimen, with the doses given three months apart.
The vaccine has been evaluated through a global clinical programme involving more than 60,000 participants. This included the seven-year Phase III TIDES trial conducted across eight dengue-endemic countries.
Since 2022, QDENGA has been approved in 43 countries, including India. More than 32 million doses have reportedly been distributed through public and private vaccination programmes worldwide. The vaccine has also been prequalified by the World Health Organization.
Dr Reddy’s said the partnership supports its strategy to strengthen its vaccine business in India while contributing to wider public-health efforts aimed at reducing the country’s dengue burden.
