Granted Patent No. 144594: method for recombinant expression and purification of the IBDV VP2 beta-domain for dipstick / lateral-flow diagnostic strips (Inventors: Dr. Moazur Rahman, Dr. Mazhar Iqbal; sealed 11 February 2026; term 2018–2038)
Research laboratory
Biopharmaceuticals & Proteomics
The Biopharmaceuticals and Proteomics group develops indigenous technologies for human and poultry therapeutics, from recombinant biosimilars and poultry vaccines to low-cost PCR enzymes, in an ISO 9001:2015 certified laboratory.
Research with national impact
From recombinant protein to product on the shelf.
The group has developed ready technology for commercialisation of human therapeutics such as Filgrastim, PEG-Filgrastim and insulin, and of poultry vaccines including a recombinant VP2 viral-vector vaccine and an indigenous adenovirus 5 (Ad5)-based vector vaccine. It has also developed low-cost PCR enzymes and mixes for research and development. Upstream and downstream processes run in a state-of-the-art ISO 9001:2015 laboratory, and nanoparticle-based delivery systems (exosomes, PLGA and chitosan) are being explored to improve the anticancer potential of therapeutic proteins.
Biosimilar therapeuticsPoultry vaccinesPCR enzymes & kits
- ISO 9001
- certified protein production laboratory, the first at CEMB
- 4
- patents granted or filed
- 3
- poultry pathogens with vaccines and ELISA kits
- 8
- research scholars
Research programme
Four routes from the bench to the clinic and the farm.
Human therapeutics, poultry vaccines, research reagents and drug-delivery systems, developed within one certified production pipeline.
- 01
Human therapeutics
Indigenous technology for recombinant biosimilars including Filgrastim, PEG-Filgrastim and insulin.
- 02
Poultry vaccines
Recombinant VP2 viral-vector and Ad5-based vector vaccines for poultry diseases.
- 03
PCR enzymes & mixes
Low-cost enzymes and ready-to-use mixes for research and diagnostic laboratories.
- 04
Nanoparticle drug delivery
Exosome, PLGA and chitosan systems explored to improve the anticancer potential of therapeutic proteins.
Translation & outcomes
Indigenous biologics built to replace imports.
Biosimilar candidates, PCR enzymes and kits, poultry vaccines and protected intellectual property.
Patent applications 119/2025 and 120/2025: consensus nucleoprotein- and spike protein-based adenoviral vector vaccines against SARS-CoV-2
Patent application 215/2025: VP2 protein-based adenoviral vector vaccine against local infectious bursal disease virus (Gumboro) isolates
Developed subunit and viral-vector vaccines against IBDV, fowl adenovirus and Pasteurella multocida, with matching ELISA-based diagnostic kits for field monitoring
Engineered native production protocols for Taq polymerase, Hot Start polymerase, Pfu polymerase and reverse transcriptase
Formulated and distributed indigenous 2X PCR Mix, 2X Hot Start Mix and 2X qRT-PCR Mix kits to local molecular laboratories to lower import reliance
Expressed and developed the biosimilars Filgrastim and long-acting PEG-Filgrastim
Developed a portfolio of recombinant candidates including Anakinra, Thrombax, Erythropoietin, Interferon alpha 2a, PEG-Interferon alpha 2a, GCSF and Consensus Interferon
Upgraded the laboratory to ISO 9001:2015 certification, establishing the first ISO-certified protein production infrastructure at CEMB
Organised the International Conference on Current Trends, Prospects and Opportunities in Vaccine Research at CEMB, 28–29 February 2024
Research group
Faculty leading the programme.
Expertise in recombinant protein production, biosimilar development, vaccinology and nanoparticle drug delivery.
Research students
The questions shaping tomorrow’s biologics.
3 PhD scholars5 MPhil scholars
PhD research scholars 3
Farooq Ahmad
Development of a bioprocess for producing clinical-grade human recombinant insulin biosimilar
Faisal Shahzad
PhD Research Scholar
Khadija Rani
PhD Research Scholar
MPhil research scholars 5
Hassan Saeed
Seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides)-derived exosome-like nanoparticles: isolation, characterisation and anticancer potential
Misbah Mumtaz
Molecular cloning, heterologous expression and purification of recombinant RiboLock protein using the pET-28 expression system
Warda Chughtai
Adaptation and propagation of fowl adenovirus type 11 in cell line
Anaya Fatime
Protective immune efficacy analysis of the fiber knob domain of fowl adenovirus 11 as a subunit vaccine
Zarnub Hameed
Development and characterisation of rhIL-24-loaded PLGA nanoparticles for targeted therapy against renal cancer
Research funding
Public funding that moves technology toward commercialisation.
Projects funded by the Higher Education Commission and the Pakistan Science Foundation, from vaccines to PCR enzymes.
Active projects
Completed projects
Lab brochure 2026
Indigenous biologics, enzymes and vaccines.
Low-cost, high-quality biosimilar pharmaceutical products, PCR mixes and kits for molecular biology and biotechnology research, produced in an ISO 9001:2015 certified laboratory.
- Upstream and downstream process development
- Pharmacopoeia testing of biosimilars
- ÄKTA chromatography system for protein purification
Collaborate with the lab