In a significant development of Pakistan’s fight against rabies, Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS) has introduced a locally produced anti-rabies vaccine named “Dow Rab,” offering hope to those bitten by dogs across Sindh.
Led by DUHS Vice-Chancellor Professor Muhammad Saeed Quraishy, the launch event marked a milestone in Pakistan’s medical field. Professor Quraishy emphasized the vaccine’s importance in saving lives and pledged to ensure its widespread availability.
Developed at the Dow Institute of Life Sciences (DILS) in Ojha campus, the vaccine’s initial batch of 30,000 doses was swiftly distributed through an efficient network. This breakthrough is expected to alleviate the suffering of numerous rabies-exposed individuals.
Speaking at the ceremony, Professor Quraishy highlighted DUHS’s commitment to self-sufficiency, aiming to use locally sourced ingredients for vaccine production. Plans are underway to scale up production to an additional 170,000 doses, aiming for Pakistan’s self-sufficiency in anti-rabies vaccines.
Syed Izhar Hussain, CEO of DILS, emphasized the extensive research and regulatory processes leading to the commercial production of Dow Rab. Priced at Rs1,500 for the full course, the vaccine reflects DUHS’s commitment to affordability and accessibility.
Pakistan’s agreement with Muller and Phipps
To ensure nationwide availability, DUHS signed an agreement with distribution giant Muller & Phipps. This partnership aims to make Dow Rab easily accessible across Pakistan, addressing the urgent need for rabies prevention measures.
Rabies remains a significant threat in Pakistan, causing thousands of deaths annually. The National Institute of Health (NIH) Islamabad records a demand for over 2 million doses of anti-rabies vaccines yearly, with a substantial portion imported from India.
The introduction of Dow Rab comes at a crucial time, amid a shortage of anti-rabies vaccines exacerbated by pricing issues. Currency devaluation has affected importers, highlighting the importance of local manufacturing to stabilize prices and ensure a steady supply chain.
