Update on Development of Potential Dengue Vaccine and Patient Support Service for Dengvaxia Vaccine

18 Ms He Ting Ru asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) for an update on the development of potential dengue vaccines or drugs; and (b) what assistance or support is available to recovered dengue patients contemplating whether to take the Dengvaxia vaccine.

Mr Ong Ye Kung: Dengvaxia is currently the only licensed dengue vaccine in Singapore. The supplier has decided to discontinue it due to low global demand. It is therefore only available for individuals who have already initiated the three-dose series.

There are two other dengue vaccines approved in other countries – Qdenga and Butantan-Dengue Vaccine. These vaccines are however not approved for use in Singapore. One had withdrawn its application following a review by the Health Sciences Authority on its submitted scientific data and there is no application for the other. Another dengue vaccine candidate, V181, developed by MSD, is currently undergoing Phase 3 clinical trial.

The Ministry of Health and relevant agencies will continue to monitor the development of dengue vaccines and therapeutics as part of a multi-pronged approach to dengue control in Singapore.