Takeda and Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Enter Into Exclusive Collaboration to Promote and Distribute QDENGA® in India’s Pediatric and Adult Private Market

Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, through its Indian subsidiary Takeda Biopharmaceuticals India Pvt. Ltd., and Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd. (BSE: 500124, NSE: DRREDDY, NYSE: RDY, NSEIFSC: DRREDDY), have entered into a distribution agreement under which Dr. Reddy’s will promote and distribute Takeda’s dengue vaccine, QDENGA®, across India’s private market for pediatric and adult vaccination.

Subject to completion of applicable processes with local authorities, the vaccine is anticipated to become available in H1 2027.

Regulatory Milestone

• In July 2026, India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) approved QDENGA® for individuals aged 4–60 years.
• This marks India’s first approved dengue vaccine, a milestone in strengthening dengue prevention and management.

Strategic Importance

• Takeda is committed to supporting long‑term dengue control efforts and enabling broad, equitable access to QDENGA®.
• While inclusion in India’s public immunization program remains a long‑term ambition, private‑market availability through Dr. Reddy’s provides a pathway for eligible individuals to access the vaccine once available.
• The collaboration will support healthcare‑professional engagement, disease awareness, promotion, and distribution of QDENGA® across India’s private market.

Addressing India’s Dengue Burden

• Dengue cases in India have increased 11‑fold over the past two decades.
• Nationwide surveillance by ICMR’s Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratory shows all four dengue virus serotypes (DENV‑1 to DENV‑4) co‑circulating, with 1 in 14 patients infected with multiple serotypes concurrently.
• Dengue occurs year‑round across India, making prevention and management an urgent public‑health priority.

Dr. Mahender Nayak, Head of Intercontinental Markets, Takeda: “Takeda is committed to supporting India’s evolving healthcare needs and expanding access to dengue vaccination. We welcome the Parliamentary Committee on Health’s recommendation to consider dengue vaccine for the Universal Immunization Program. In parallel, our private‑market collaboration with Dr. Reddy’s will help enable timely access for eligible individuals once QDENGA® becomes available.”

M.V. Ramana, CEO – Global Generics, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories: “As the second‑largest vaccine player in India, we believe the introduction of India’s first approved dengue vaccine is 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 India’s dengue burden.”

Complementary Strengths

• Takeda brings:
  • Global expertise in dengue prevention and vaccine science.
  • Experience in disease education, medical, regulatory, and brand strategy.
  • Retains rights to promote and distribute QDENGA® in India’s public market, along with legal ownership and medical oversight.
• Dr. Reddy’s brings:
  • Exclusive partner role for promotion and distribution in India’s private market.
  • Vaccine expertise and nationwide distribution infrastructure.
  • Extensive healthcare professional network across private institutions, vaccinators, and physicians.

Together, the companies aim to expand access for people seeking protection against dengue.

Global Context

• Since 2022, Takeda’s dengue vaccine has been approved in 43 countries including India.
• 32M+ doses distributed worldwide through public and private programs in Asia, Latin America, and Europe.
• Included in Brazil’s National Immunization Program and public programs in Argentina, Colombia, Indonesia, and Thailand.
• WHO recommendation: vaccine use without pre‑vaccination screening in high endemic countries.
• Listed in the WHO’s List of Prequalified Vaccines, underscoring quality and suitability for public vaccination programs.