The new dengue vaccine arrives in Brazil next week

The Brazilian Association of Vaccine Clinics (ABCVAC) has reported that a new dengue vaccine is expected to arrive in Brazil next week. Made up of four different serotypes of the disease-causing virus, Qdenga, from Takeda Pharma Ltda., was approved in March by the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa). According to the regulatory body, the dose provides broad protection against dengue.

In a statement ABCVAC reported that the price of the vaccine, initially available only in private laboratories, is expected to vary between R$ 350 and R$ 500 for the final consumer, depending on the state. In São Paulo, for example, the maximum consumer price (PMC) authorized by Anvisa for clinics is R$ 379.40.

“Clinics must use this parameter in the composition of their final price, which also includes treatment, screening, vaccination record analysis, pre and post vaccination guidance, as well as all the support patients need to properly inform themselves on the vaccination issue“, highlighted the ABCVAC.

Recommendation

According to Anvisa, the vaccine is indicated for children over 4 years of age, adolescents and adults up to 60 years of age. Qdenga, therefore, is the first dose approved in Brazil for a wider audience, given that the previously approved vaccine, Dengvaxia, can only be used by those who have already had dengue.

The new vaccine will be available for subcutaneous administration in a two-dose schedule, with a three-month interval between applications.

“Anvisa’s granting of registration allows the product to be sold in the country, provided the approved conditions are maintained. However, the vaccine remains subject to monitoring of adverse events, through pharmacovigilance actions under the responsibility of the company“, informed.

The efficacy against dengue for all serotypes combined among seronegative individuals (with no prior virus infection) was 66.2%. For HIV-positive individuals (who had a previous infection with the virus), the rate was 76.1%.

“The demonstration of Qdenga’s efficacy is primarily supported by the results of a large-scale, Phase 3, randomised, placebo-controlled study conducted in dengue-endemic countries, with the aim of evaluating the efficacy, safety and the immunogenicity of the vaccine“, informed Anvisa.