Pakistan develops first-ever vaccine for breast cancer prevention
Pakistan has marked a major milestone in medical science with the successful development of its first-ever vaccine aimed at preventing breast cancer. The breakthrough was achieved by the Institute of Public Health Punjab, which has been working on solutions to address the rising number of breast cancer cases among women in the country. Officials confirmed that the vaccine is designed to significantly reduce the risk of breast cancer, a disease that remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in Pakistan.
According to experts, the vaccine is based on Human Papillomavirus (HPV) research, which has long been associated with cancer prevention. A policy dialogue has already been initiated to begin large-scale production and distribution of the vaccine, which health professionals say could prove to be a revolutionary step in Pakistan’s healthcare sector. Punjab Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja praised the development, describing it as a “remarkable achievement” that reflects the provincial government’s growing focus on health and medical innovation.
Medical experts also highlighted the importance of this vaccine in the fight against cancer. Professor Dr. Javed Akram explained that administering three doses of the vaccine to girls at the age of 12 would provide lifelong protection against breast cancer. He stressed that such preventive measures could not only save thousands of lives but also reduce the financial and emotional burden that cancer places on families.
This breakthrough comes shortly after the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Datroway, a precision drug developed by AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo, for treating advanced breast cancer cases. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, Datroway belongs to the class of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), often referred to as “guided missiles” because they specifically target cancer cells while sparing healthy ones. However, with a cost of nearly $4,900 per vial, such treatments remain out of reach for many patients in developing countries.
The availability of Pakistan’s vaccine is being hailed as a game-changer, particularly for low- and middle-income families who cannot afford costly treatments abroad. Experts believe that once the vaccine becomes accessible across the country, Pakistan could set a precedent for other developing nations in the region to prioritize preventive healthcare in the battle against cancer.
By pioneering a preventive vaccine, Pakistan is not only taking a historic step forward in medicine but also strengthening its healthcare system to protect future generations. Health authorities have confirmed that further clinical trials and safety checks are ongoing, but the initiative is expected to pave the way for mass immunization campaigns in the near future.
