Welcome To
Dow Institute for Advanced Biological & Animal Research (DIABAR)
DIABAR began its journey in 2008 as Laboratory Animal Sciences (LAS), covering an area of 4.07 acres. Over time, it expanded through the establishment of several key sections, including the Advanced Research Lab (ARL), Pre-Clinical and Toxicological Contract Laboratory (PTCL), Central Animal House (CAH), and the Basic Biological Manufacturing Facility (BBMF), which encompasses the Plasma Collection and Processing Laboratory (PCPL) and the Venom Collection and Processing Laboratory (VCPL). Other important components include the Quality Control Laboratory (QC) and Research & Development (R&D) divisions, all operating under a comprehensive Quality Management System (QMS).
Currently, the DUHS Vaccine and Virology Research Laboratory (VVRL) has been upgraded to meet BSL-2-Advanced standards, with BSC-II and BSC-III containment capabilities, positioning it as the country’s first and leading virus seed repository.
Together, these sections operate under the umbrella of DIABAR-DUHS, serving as an exclusive provider of pre-clinical and toxicological testing services, as well as a producer of basic biological raw materials in the country. The facility also supplies laboratory animals to academic institutions, offering technical support and trained personnel to assist with animal handling for various research projects.
We aim to improve the country’s healthcare system and decrease economic burden, via the indigenous production of biologicals. Key projects in this attempt include:
- Anti-snake venom (ASV) production against the Big 4 snakes of Pakistan.
- Inactivated Rabies vaccine development under the project funded by HEC-World Bank.
- Development of recombinant monoclonal antibodies and vaccines.
DIABAR is working on a ‘Venom Bank’ for bio-therapeutic and cosmetic purposes, under the project entitlement of ‘DUHS Big 4’ project, with the agreement and approval of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Saeed Quraishy. In this project, we are working on the collection, processing, and characterization of Big 4 snake venom (Cobra, Krait, Saw-Scaled Viper, and Russell’s Viper) as a raw material.
We are also working on the indigenous development of the rabies vaccine against local rabies virus strains, under the project, HEC-GCF-790, funded by the World Bank. Simultaneously, we are diligently working on the in-vivo potency testing of the DRAP-approved rabies vaccine, branded as ‘DOWRAB’, under DUHS’s commercialization.
This facility is also involved in a wide range of studies, from basic scientific research on disease pathogenesis to the development of therapeutic solutions. It advances translational research at the biochemical, cellular, and molecular levels, effectively bridging the gap between science and clinical applications. Additionally, the innovations developed by DIABAR serve as a vital link between DUHS and the biopharmaceutical industry, facilitating revenue generation through collaborative initiatives.
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Message from Our Director
Dr. Talat Roome
I am honoured to serve as the Director of the ‘Dow Institute for Advanced Biological & Animal Research’. DIABAR is a state-of-the-art facility meeting international standards. It has four major sections, ranging from its Preclinical Toxicology Testing Facility, Research and Development (R&D) section, the Central Animal House (CAH), and a Basic Biological Manufacturing Facility (BBMF), for the translation of R&D projects. The Quality Management System (QMS) helps abide by international standards and guidelines to produce biological products. We are unique in the country in maintaining a diverse group of experimental animals and a wonderful equine system for the manufacturing of biological products.
Our passion for research facilitates the scientific community from different domains of the healthcare sector. Establishment of the DIABAR is a great addition in the list of the country’s most accomplished research and development institutions in delivering results for health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Over the past 20 years, we have leveraged our expertise in providing high-quality research and services for research students, academic institutions and other stakeholders in healthcare and bio-pharmaceuticals.
DIABAR serves as a hub of scientific activities. Our facilities enable interdisciplinary research from vast avenues of academia and industry, and a wide range of toxicity testing services, using both in-vitro and in-vivo approaches. We work in compliance with international guidelines for the testing of drugs and natural extracts, etc. The Quality Control section of DIABAR not only fulfils institutional requirements, but also outsources its testing facilities. Through our work, we have established strong ties with the government and private sector across the country, building strong collaborations with renowned institutions around the globe.
DIABAR has secured numerous intramural and extramural grants from 2019 to 2024. Our scientific expertise is highlighted by a US patent and the publication of over 18 research papers, primarily in ‘W’ category peer-reviewed journals. Additionally, the institute actively contributes to prestigious conferences and congresses through presentations.
Our research and development projects and facility are led by highly skilled professionals from different disciplines – Veterinary Science, Molecular Medicine, Genetics, Virology, Immunology, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Biotechnology, Nanotechnology/Material Science, and Proteomics – who are working diligently, applying their expertise and focus to ensure the success of our projects and Institute.
Being a director of the institute, I constantly encourage and support the DIABAR team to work, day and night. I’m very delighted to follow our honourable Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Saeed Quraishy’s vision for the betterment of our health system, and my self- commitment is to keep serving the national cause. I’m quite hopeful to meet the strategic plans of Dow University of Health Sciences by bringing up the quality products at a national level as a basic biological manufacturer. We want to bring up the facility as an internationally accredited laboratory with licence to provide services such as in-silico, in-vitro, in-vivo, and pre-clinical & toxicological research, using animal and cell-based models.
Our aim is to facilitate the scientific community from different domains of the health and education sectors in providing support in serological and vaccine testing, and in establishing translational research.
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Our Scope
DIABAR is the core part of the vision of Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS), playing a significant role in shaping the country’s healthcare landscape. The institute is dedicated to advancing the quality of education and research by enhancing its Science and Technology infrastructure, along with its Research & Development facilities. This enables the translation of research into production and commercialization, helping to address the challenges outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 3, 4, and 9). DIABAR is committed to building strong connections between national and international academic institutions, R&D organisations, and industries, fostering the exchange of knowledge and technology.
As part of its expanded offerings, DIABAR now provides innovative solutions in biological manufacturing, vaccine development, and pre-clinical & toxicological testing. It focuses on producing vaccines for ‘Anti-Rabies’ and ‘Anti-Tetanus’, as well as monoclonal antibodies, contributing to the growth of Pakistan’s pharmaceutical sector. Noteworthy initiatives include the ‘Venom’ and ‘Virus Seed’ repositories, the Indigenous Rabies Vaccine development, and the DUHS-Anti-Venom Project. DIABAR’s preclinical services span a wide array of toxicity testing and therapeutic areas, including wound management, anti-infective treatments, anti-diabetic therapies, cardiology, vaccinology, rheumatology, and oncology.
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Our
Vision
To become a pre-eminent biological research & commercial institution committed to changing and saving lives.
Our
Mission
To provide the capacity for advanced research, innovation, and dissemination of new knowledge of commercial importance, while sustaining a mutually productive engagement with the local community.
Our Services
- We provide comprehensive R&D, preclinical & toxicity testing services to help clients from a wide range of disciplines.
- We provide high quality services to the industries and academia and private sector clients.
- We are extending our services throughout the Middle East and Asian countries.
- Our experts can customise study plans to meet numerous requirements for specialty projects meeting customer satisfaction.
DIABAR: A Promise of Quality Excellence
Focused by our commitment in providing reliability, innovation and excellence in scientific discovery while safeguarding health & well-being of both humans and animals. Providing high-quality value-centred products and pioneering in Pre-Clinical & Toxicological Contract Laboratory testing services nation-wide. Learn more about our Quality Management System here.
Working with DIABAR
DIABAR is dedicated to developing innovative new products that deliver cutting-edge treatments through advanced therapeutics. These products are designed to enhance prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, providing our customers with access to comprehensive and integrated healthcare options.
Our studies include:
- Development of the indigenous Rabies vaccine formulation
- Production of indigenous Anti-Snake Venom (Hyperimmunized Plasma) as ‘Drug Substance’
- Preclinical Testing of Covid-19 Vaccine.
- Development and Validation of bio-/analytical test methods.
- Conducting stability studies in line with ICH guidelines.
- Formulating creams and ointments and wound patches.
DIABAR is dedicated to upholding high standards across its manufacturing processes. The production of sophisticated, life-saving therapies using advanced technologies reflects both innovation and a commitment to health. The role of DIABAR’s Quality and Production teams is essential in ensuring that these products are safe and effective when they reach patients. DIABAR maintains a strong focus on quality and availability within the healthcare industry.
DIABAR-DUHS is actively involved in the production of Hyper-Immunized Plasma-ASV in accordance with international guidelines and the DIABAR-QMS control system. We have successfully completed four consecutive trial batches and one commercial batch of Hyper-Immunized Plasma-ASV. DIABAR staff are well-trained in the maintenance of hyper-immunized equines, the collection of plasma under aseptic conditions, and the processing, labeling, and storage of the final product. Furthermore, the establishment of the Basic Biological Manufacturing Facility – BSL III will support the bulk production and commercialization of vaccines, driving the self-sustaining production of biologicals and vaccine preparations in Pakistan, reducing reliance on international sources.
Currently, DIABAR is in the process of manufacturing anti-sera and vaccines, such as anti-rabies and anti-tetanus, at the R&D level. These efforts will pave the way for mass-scale production and technology transfer advancements.
- We transform new solutions to meet changing healthcare needs and create new methods that support the delivery of healthcare.
- Innovating solutions for healthcare not only addresses current challenges but also paves the way for a more efficient and impartial system.
- We are committed to protect the health and well-being of our employees to foster a positive work environment and enhance productivity. It can lead to higher job satisfaction and retention, ultimately benefiting the entire organisation.
- We earn trust of our clients through the highest standards of quality and safety, ethics and integrity.
- Together, we aim to inspire preventive action, promote essential health education, and create a lasting impact.
- We support Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3, 4, and 17 by prioritising good health and well-being, quality education, and meaningful partnerships for sustainable development.
Our Management Team
- Rajab Ali – Phlebotomist
- Sarfaraz-ud-din Ahmed – Phlebotomist
- Gul Sher Umrani – Laboratory Technician
- Abdul Jabbar – Veterinary Assistant
- Ghulam Asghar – Veterinary Assistant
- Ghulam Hussain – Animal Attendant
- Fayaz Ali – Stable Boy
- Malhar-ud-din – Stable Boy
- Ali Raza – Stable Boy
- Basheer Ahmed – Stable Boy
- Basharat Ali – Animal Attendant
- Pervaiz Ali – Attendant
- Soofdal – Snake Handler
- Muhammad Bux – Stable Boy
- Jaral – Stable Boy
- Jamal Uddin – Attendant
- Shafiq Ahmed – Sweeper
- Imtiaz Ali – Animal Attendant
- Farrukh Rasheed – Animal Attendant
- Irfan Ali – Animal Attendant
- Qurban Ali – Animal Attendant
- Waqar Ali – Animal Attendant
- Naib Ali – Animal Attendant
- Lal Dino – Animal Attendant
- Jansar – Animal Attendant
Our Collaboration / Clients
Picture Gallery
You can view our Picture Gallery here.
Contact Us
DOW INSTITUTE FOR ADVANCED BIOLOGICAL & ANIMAL RESEARCH (DIABAR)
