Victims of dog bites in Sindh received a welcomed relief as Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS), one of Pakistan’s renowned medical institutions, unveiled an anti-rabies vaccine named “Dow Rab.” Initially launched in Sindh province, this vaccine will soon be distributed nationwide, with delivery promised within 48 hours of a phone call, as announced by the university’s spokesperson on Tuesday.
In a modest ceremony, DUHS Vice-Chancellor Professor Muhammad Saeed Quraishy inaugurated “Dow Rab,” emphasizing that 30,000 doses of the locally-produced anti-rabies vaccine have already been dispatched to the distribution network. These doses, manufactured at the Dow Institute of Life Sciences (DILS) on the Ojha campus using imported raw materials, mark a significant milestone.
Quraishy expressed his resolve to transition to local sourcing for the vaccine’s production, aiming to reduce dependency on imported materials from China. Efforts are underway to produce an additional 170,000 doses of the anti-rabies vaccine locally, he added optimistically.
Notable figures including DILS Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Syed Izhar Hussain and other dignitaries graced the occasion, underscoring the university’s commitment to public health initiatives.
Highlighting the significance of the development, Quraishy noted that after rigorous research and regulatory procedures, Dow University has commenced commercial production of the anti-rabies vaccine at the Ojha campus. The complete vaccination course will be available at a cost of Rs1,500.
Dow University’s previous breakthroughs, including the development of IVIG Immunoglobulin during the COVID-19 pandemic, have saved numerous lives, demonstrating the institution’s dedication to addressing public health challenges.
In another significant step, Dow University signed a Letter of Interest (LoI) with distribution network Muller & Phipps to ensure widespread availability of the ARV Dow Rab across Pakistan.
Pakistan, grappling with approximately a million cases of dog bites annually, faces an urgent need for anti-rabies vaccines. The National Institute of Health (NIH) Islamabad estimates a requirement of over 2 million doses of ARV annually, with a significant portion imported from India.
The current shortage of anti-rabies vaccines in Pakistan, exacerbated by pricing conflicts and currency devaluation, underscores the importance of local manufacturing to stabilize prices and ensure adequate supply for public health needs.
