Takeda Pharmaceutical, Japan's biggest drugmaker, said Tuesday that its vaccine for dengue fever has been approved in Indonesia, apparently making it the first Japanese company to sell a vaccine abroad.
The medical giant, which has lagged behind in COVID-19 vaccine development, said it is also applying for approval of a vaccine for dengue fever in Asian and South American countries as well as in the European Union, aiming to push its annual sales up to $1.6 billion.
Dengue fever is contracted through mosquito transmission. Annually, 390 million people are estimated to be infected across the globe, with the incidence of infection increasing in recent years, according to the World Health Organization.
While it remains undecided when Takeda will begin supplying the vaccine, the drug firm is additionally eyeing the possibility of its use in Japan.
Takeda's vaccine, which needs two shots, is intended for people between the ages of 6 and 45, and is available regardless of prior exposure to the virus. Individuals do not require a prior test to receive the shot.
The pharmaceutical said in a news release that its vaccine can prevent 84% of hospitalized dengue cases and 61% of symptomatic cases.
Takeda also plans to apply for approval of its vaccine, manufactured in Germany, in the United States.