Biotech Dominates with 60% Share of Pharmaceutical Exports: A Rising Force in the Industry

Biotech Dominates with 60% Share of Pharmaceutical Exports: A Rising Force in the Industry

Biotechnology products play a crucial role in Iran’s pharmaceutical exports, representing an impressive 60 percent of the total. According to Haleh Ahmadi, the head of the association of pharmaceutical biotechnology producers and exporters, around 99 percent of these biotechnology products are produced domestically, highlighting the nation’s commitment to self-sufficiency in this vital sector.

Recent reports indicate that Iran exports biotechnology products to 40 countries worldwide, a significant increase from the 35 countries it engaged with in the previous Iranian calendar year (March 2024 – March 2025). The total value of these exported medicines is estimated to be between $120 million and $130 million, showcasing the growing influence of Iranian biotechnology in the global market.

Thanks to the efforts of pharmaceutical biotechnology producers in Iran, the country is saving approximately $5 billion annually, a sum that would have otherwise been spent on imports. Currently, there are 45 pharmaceutical biotechnology products manufactured in Iran, which encompass pharmaceuticals, kits, and medical tools.

Iran’s Leadership in Biotechnology Among Islamic Nations

In 2024, Iran achieved a remarkable milestone by ranking first in biotechnology among Islamic nations, boasting 1,111 publications in the field, as reported by SCImago. This marked an improvement from its second-place status in 2023, demonstrating Iran’s growing academic contributions to biotechnology.

Globally, Iran secured the 11th position in biotechnology research. Other Islamic countries such as Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Turkey, and Egypt followed in ranks, with 1,008, 979, 839, and 802 articles respectively. Over the past 28 years, Iran has published a total of 15,188 articles in biotechnology, leading the region and placing 15th globally.

In a broader academic context, Iran ranks second in the region and 17th worldwide, having published 75,501 articles across all subjects in 2024. Cumulatively, from 1996 to 2024, the country has produced 966,118 articles across various fields, reaffirming its position as a key player in scientific research.

Commitment to Self-Sufficiency in Medicine

Iran’s government prioritizes the production of medicine and medical equipment, with Health Minister Mohammad-Reza Zafarqandi emphasizing the importance of achieving self-sufficiency in these critical areas. He stated, “We are trying to reach self-sufficiency for the supply of medicine and medical equipment,” as reported by IRNA.

On January 13, the head of Iran’s Union of Medical Equipment Manufacturers and Exporters disclosed that the country exports medical equipment worth around $20 million to more than 60 countries each year. Notably, over 70 percent of medical equipment and 100 percent of standard hospital beds are produced domestically, according to Abdolreza Yaqoubzadeh.

Furthermore, Yaqoubzadeh highlighted that more than 95 percent of specialized ICU and CCU beds, as well as over 85 percent of operating room medical equipment—including anesthesia machines—are manufactured using advanced technologies within Iran. This self-sufficiency reduces reliance on foreign imports significantly.

The Landscape of Medical Equipment Manufacturing in Iran

Currently, Iran has approximately 600 medical equipment companies that are actively engaged in producing around 99 percent of the medicine supplied to the domestic market. These manufacturers are capable of producing over 10,000 types of medical equipment for both domestic and international markets. Remarkably, various laboratory equipment is now available at prices significantly lower than those of similar foreign products, offering cost-effective solutions for healthcare providers.

  1. 60% of Iran’s pharmaceutical exports are biotechnology products.
  2. Iran saves $5 billion annually due to domestic production.
  3. Exports to 40 countries with a total value of $120-$130 million.
  4. Ranked 11th globally in biotechnology research.
  5. Over 70% of medical equipment is made domestically.
  6. Exports worth $20 million annually to over 60 countries.

In summary, Iran’s advancements in biotechnology and medical equipment manufacturing underscore its strategic shift towards self-sufficiency. By focusing on domestic production, the country not only aims to meet its healthcare needs but also positions itself as a significant player in the global biotechnology market.

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