By CESAR JOLITO III

Health experts in the Philippines are calling for the approval and entry of a second-generation dengue vaccine, citing its potential to significantly reduce severe dengue cases and hospitalizations amid persistent public health concerns over the mosquito-borne disease.

During a recent roundtable discussion, Dr. Alexis Millan of the Philippine Pediatric Society underscored the need for wider dengue prevention measures, noting that dengue continues to pose a serious threat, especially to children.

She highlighted TAK003, a vaccine developed by Takeda Healthcare Philippines, Inc., as a promising tool in mitigating the impact of the disease.

Millan said the vaccine underwent extensive study for more than seven years, with results showing it is both effective and safe.

While stressing that there is still no cure for dengue, she clarified that vaccination can play a crucial role in preventing severe forms of the illness.

“This will not totally eliminate dengue, but it can significantly reduce severe dengue cases and the likelihood of hospitalization,” Millan said, adding that studies show the vaccine can lower the risk of severe dengue by up to 60 percent.

Based on data submitted by Takeda, TAK003 can be administered to individuals regardless of whether they have had a prior dengue infection — an advantage over the first-generation dengue vaccine, CYD-TDV, which is recommended only for those with confirmed previous dengue exposure.

The earlier vaccine, although available in about 20 countries, has not been licensed in the Philippines since 2019.

TAK003 has already been approved in more than 40 countries across Europe, Latin America and Asia, including several Southeast Asian nations such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Takeda submitted the necessary documents and vaccine samples to the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2023.

However, approval is still pending.

“All required papers have been submitted, but we are still awaiting the FDA’s decision,” Millan said.

Once approved, the vaccine is expected to be made available through private healthcare providers.

Health experts hope its eventual rollout will strengthen the country’s dengue prevention strategy, alongside existing measures such as vector control and public awareness campaigns./CJ, WDJ