Pakistan’s drug regulator has approved the introduction and pricing of 35 new medicines, including innovative treatments for cancer, diabetes, hypertension, and other chronic conditions. This significant move marks a major commitment to expanding local pharmaceutical capacity and improving patient access.

The newly registered drugs span critical categories:

  • Advanced anticancer therapies for lung, breast, and blood cancers
  • Biologics and injectables for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases
  • Next-generation treatments for diabetes and cardiovascular illnesses

This registration wave follows the approval of recently input molecules like Sildenafil Citrate and Tadalafil for erectile dysfunction, previously unavailable for local production, thereby curbing illicit markets and import dependence.

Patients and health experts expect multiple benefits:

  • Greater availability of life-saving medicines within Pakistan
  • A controlled, regulated framework to prevent counterfeit or smuggled drugs circulation
  • Better affordability through maximum retail price (MRP) notification, ensuring fair pricing
  • Support for local pharmaceutical industry growth, research, and exports

Many of the registered products also had prices notified by authorities to prevent overcharging, enabling increased competition and reducing reliance on expensive overseas imports.

This package of new drug registrations is part of a broader shift: Pakistan is actively encouraging local production of advanced drugs, easing licensing, and building a domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing ecosystem. Efforts continue to integrate public-private collaboration, boost technology transfer, and ensure high-quality, affordable medicines reach the public.