Karachi, In a significant advancement for public health, Dow University of Health Sciences has unveiled “Dow Rab,” an anti-rabies vaccine (ARV) developed in-house, offering new hope in the fight against rabies, particularly for dog bite victims. Initially available in Sindh province, the service promises vaccine delivery within forty-eight hours following a request, aiming for a nationwide expansion in the future. At the launch event, Dow University officials outlined their strategy and the vaccine’s current reliance on imported materials, with plans for a shift to local production.
According to Dow University of Health Sciences, the inauguration of “Dow Rab” marks a crucial step in addressing Pakistan’s urgent need for accessible and affordable ARV. The vaccine, formulated at the Dow Institute of Life Sciences (DILS) on the Ojha campus, incorporates imported raw materials but there are concerted efforts to transition to local sourcing. The event highlighted the immediate availability of 30,000 doses and the intent to significantly increase production. Dow University’s commitment to public health was previously demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic, with its development of IVIG Immunoglobulin aiding numerous patients.
The necessity for such innovation is underscored by the alarming statistics: annually, around a million Pakistanis suffer from stray dog bites, leading to thousands of rabies-related deaths. The national demand for ARV exceeds two million doses, heavily reliant on imports, particularly from India. This local manufacturing initiative not only aims to meet the critical healthcare need but also to mitigate the impact of international market fluctuations on vaccine availability and affordability in Pakistan.