Export of Iranian biopharmaceuticals to 60 countries
The President of the Iranian Biotechnology Society, referring to the country's significant advances in the field of biotechnology, announced the export of biopharmaceuticals and diagnostic kits to dozens of countries, and stated that without domestic production, five billion dollars would have to be spent annually on drug imports.
According to the Sedaye Sama News Agency, Cyrus Zeinali, President of the Iranian Biotechnology Society, speaking at the 6th International and 14th National Biotechnology Congress of Iran held at the Seed and Plant Improvement Research Institute in Karaj, emphasized the importance of domestic production in the health sector. He noted that without local manufacturing, the country would have to spend around five billion dollars annually on importing medicines.
Comparing the nation’s current situation with the years of the Iran–Iraq war, Zeinali said that today’s military capabilities are the result of relying on science and technology. He expressed hope that similar achievements could be made in agriculture through the use of modern technologies.
Zeinali pointed out that Iran is moving toward becoming a knowledge-based country in fields such as pharmaceuticals and medical equipment. He stressed the need to motivate young people, professors, and researchers to engage in this sector, adding that the purpose of such congresses is to promote science and biotechnology nationwide.
The head of the Iranian Biotechnology Society described biotechnology as one of the world’s top-priority technologies, with applications ranging from agriculture to human health. He noted that over the past two decades, Iran has taken major steps forward by drafting a National Biotechnology Document and forming specialized councils. He added that domestically produced biopharmaceuticals and diagnostic kits are now exported to more than 60 countries, reflecting the nation’s strong position in biological medicine.
Zeinali identified cell therapy and gene therapy as other successful fields, explaining that despite financial limitations in universities, knowledge-based companies have made remarkable progress. He also referred to research tax credits as an effective means of supporting innovation, allowing companies to allocate part of their taxes to research and development activities.
Addressing environmental challenges such as drought, soil salinity, and water scarcity, Zeinali stressed that biotechnology can offer solutions to these issues. He welcomed the gradual shift in officials’ attitudes toward genetically modified crops as a hopeful sign for agricultural progress. Emphasizing the need to preserve human capital and encourage youth entrepreneurship, Zeinali noted that the Iranian Biotechnology Society, with around 16,000 members, supports young scientists through workshops, meetings, and policy engagement. The congress concluded with the recognition of Rasoul Dinarvand as a distinguished and influential figure in the field of biotechnology.
