Recent Antiviral Advancements in Pakistan: Opportunities and Future Prospects

Abstract

We would like to highlight the recent advances in antiviral drug availability in Pakistan and their potential impact on public health.

The approval of Tafenoquine for Plasmodium vivax malaria represents a major step in malaria control, offering a single‑dose cure when supported by G6PD testing (1). Likewise, the local licensing of Lenacapavir for HIV, through voluntary agreements with Gilead, provides a promising long‑acting option that may improve both treatment and prevention outcomes (2). The wider use of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) such as Sofosbuvir-based regimens has already transformed Hepatitis C management, enabling highly effective interferon‑free therapy (3). In addition, domestic production of Remdesivir has strengthened Pakistan’s response to COVID‑19 (4), while Tecovirimat access through WHO support for mpox reflects growing preparedness against emerging infections (5).