Prevention of future pandemicsPandemic will depend on the development of robust antiviral therapeutics and strategies. Here we focus on defective interfering particles (DIPs)Defective Interfering Particles (DIP) and their engineered counterparts, therapeutic interfering particles (TIPs). Such particles can mitigate viral replication, resist virusVirus escape, and provide broad-spectrum protection against diverse viral infections, including COVID-19COVID-19. Drawing from historical and recent studies, we briefly review DIPsDefective Interfering Particles (DIP) and TIPs in both natural and laboratory settings, including their potential as transmissible therapeutics, their co-evolution with standard viruses, and their ability to modulate host immune responses. We also delve into the ethicalEthical management considerations linked to their deployment, including long-term risks to individual patients and wider communities. This work highlights the importance of interdisciplinary research, integrating virology, immunology, bioinformatics, and ethics to address the challenges posed by evolving pathogens. Finally, we underscore the importance of a balanced approach to the development of TIPsTherapeutic Interfering Particles (TIPs), evaluating the benefits and risks, with a focus on ensuring their safe and ethical use as a strategy for pandemicPandemic prevention.