Revolutionary Breakthroughs in Cell and Gene Therapy Transforming Healthcare in Iran

Iran has made significant strides in the field of cell therapy products, achieving approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This remarkable progress highlights the country’s advancements in pharmaceutical technology and its commitment to enhancing healthcare through innovative solutions.

According to IRNA, Mehdi Pirsalehi, the FDA director, stated, “Some gene therapy products are also in the clinical trial phase.” This indicates Iran’s dedication to developing cutting-edge therapies that can potentially transform medical treatment.

In his remarks, Pirsalehi emphasized the importance of utilizing modern techniques and artificial intelligence in the pharmaceutical sector. He noted that Iranian scientists have showcased exceptional capabilities, contributing to the nation’s scientific progress. Here are some key points from his statement:

• Approximately 99 percent of the medicines available in the domestic market are manufactured by Iranian knowledge-based companies.
• These companies have successfully produced biotechnology products using indigenized technology to fulfill local needs.

Growth in Medicine Exports

In the first half of the current Iranian year, which commenced on March 20, 2024, Iran’s pharmaceutical exports amounted to $104.6 million, marking a significant increase of 19.7 percent compared to the previous year. The volume of these exports reached 49,400 tons, also reflecting a 15 percent rise year-on-year, according to the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Customs Administration.

During this six-month period, approximately 345 companies were engaged in the production of medicines, supplements, and raw materials, along with the importation of pharmaceuticals. The total imports of commodities by pharmaceutical companies reached 54,800 tons, valued at $1.1 billion. This represents a 3.76 percent decline in volume but a 4.5 percent increase in value compared to the same period last year, as reported by IRNA.

Strategic Plans for Pharmaceutical Exports

In June 2024, Seyyed Ali Maboudi, an official at the FDA, announced that the organization is formulating a strategy to boost pharmaceutical exports by 30 percent in the mid-term. He stated, “In the past years, medicine exports in Iran accounted for a small share of non-oil exports. However, over the past year, it experienced a growing trend.”

Maboudi further highlighted that the exports of raw materials and pharmaceutical products during the previous Iranian calendar year (March 2023 – March 2024) were valued at over $100 million. He stated, “The Food and Drug Administration is planning to double the medicine exports in the short term and tenfold in the long term.”

Given the complexity of exporting drugs, which necessitate registration and quality approvals in each destination country, Maboudi underscored the importance of maintaining high standards. He noted that the effects of pharmaceuticals on public health make them one of the most intricate goods to export.

Conclusion

Iran’s advancements in the pharmaceutical sector, particularly in cell therapy and biotechnology, underscore the country’s potential to become a key player in the global healthcare market. With the FDA’s commitment to increasing exports and the robust capabilities of Iranian companies, the future looks promising for both the domestic and international pharmaceutical landscape.