LAHORE, Sept 17: Researchers at Punjab University’s School of Biological Sciences have produced an anti-viral and anti-cancerous recombinant protein `Human Interferon Alpha2B’, the first locally-prepared drug to be used for hepatitis treatment.

“We have adopted the cloning technique to develop the recombinant protein, generally used to treat critical illnesses like hepatitis,” Nasir Mahmood, a member of the research team said here on Sunday.

He said the development of the protein locally would go a long way in cutting down the cost of hepatitis treatment in Pakistan, which has so far been very difficult for the low-income groups of the society.

“We are sure that it is the first time a Pakistani researcher has produced an anti-cancerous protein locally.

The vaccines presently being used are imported,” team leader Prof Dr Naeem Rashid observed.

“We would like the product to be commercialized so that patients of hepatitis can get the antidote at an affordable price,” he added. —APP