Domestic Production of Three Advanced Anti-Cancer and Antifungal Drugs / 90% Price Reduction and Insurance Coverage
Tehran - BORNA - Nanotechnology is one of the most advanced and cutting-edge scientific and technological fields, which, through the control and manipulation of materials at the atomic and molecular scale, has brought about a fundamental transformation in various industries, particularly in the health sector.
Due to its unique features—such as enhancing drug efficacy, improving the performance of medical equipment, and enabling the development of innovative treatment methods—this technology has rapidly been recognized in developed countries as a cornerstone of strategic technological advancement.
In Iran as well, special attention has been directed toward nanotechnology, and this field has emerged as one of the main pillars in the development of health-oriented technological products. By leveraging nanotechnology, it has become possible to produce advanced medicines of high quality at lower costs. This achievement not only improves public health but also plays a vital role in reducing imports and saving foreign currency.
In this regard, Saeed Sarkar, head of the Strategic Technologies Development Center of the Vice Presidency for Science, Technology, and Knowledge-Based Economy, highlighted the production of more than 140 health-related products based on nanotechnology in the country, emphasizing the significance of this technology in achieving development goals and self-sufficiency.
Strategic Technologies: The Driving Force of Industrial and Economic Development
The Head of the Center for Development of Strategic Technologies at the Vice Presidency for Science, Technology, and Knowledge-Based Economy emphasized the importance of strategic technologies, stating that these emerging and transformative technologies are recognized as platform technologies serving as the foundation for creating numerous new technologies and innovative products across various industries.
He warned that the absence of such technologies can become a major bottleneck for industry, potentially leading to a complete halt in industrial activities.
Four Specialized Committees Focused on Health and Advanced Technologies
Saeed Sarkar referred to the structure of the Center for Development of Strategic Technologies, explaining that the center operates through four active committees:
Nano and Micro Technologies Committee
Bio and Health Committee
Cognitive Sciences Committee
Medicinal Plants and Traditional Medicine Committee
Each of these committees plays an influential role in the healthcare sector. The Bio and Health Committee is fully engaged in medical and healthcare projects; the Medicinal Plants and Traditional Medicine Committee is specifically linked to health-related applications; the Cognitive Sciences Committee plays a key role in mental health and in addressing contemporary global issues such as cognitive warfare; and nanotechnology has wide-ranging applications in the field of health.
Production of Over 140 Nano-Based Health Products
Sarkar stated that so far, around 140 health-oriented products based on modern and nano technologies have been produced in the country. He noted that some of these products are also available in international markets, which demonstrates the nation’s capability and progress in the field of strategic technologies.
Domestic Production of Advanced Medicines: 90% Price Reduction and Equal Patient Access
In another part of his remarks, Sarkar referred to last year’s achievements in the field of advanced pharmaceuticals. He announced that three advanced medicines — two anti-cancer drugs and one injectable antifungal drug for severe fungal infections — that previously required more than USD 6.5 million in annual imports, have now been developed domestically and launched in the market.
The medicines include:
Olasta Orin for the treatment of leukemia
A drug for the treatment of pancreatic cancer
An injectable antifungal drug for acute fungal infections
Sarkar noted that these medicines were previously imported at prices of up to USD 800 or EUR 1,200 per injection, and only certain patients could afford them. Now, thanks to domestic production, their prices have dropped to around USD 25–30 per injection and are covered by health insurance. This substantial price reduction has ensured fair and equal access to treatment for all segments of society.
Technology Development: The Key to Reducing Dependency and Enhancing Health Equity
The Head of the Center for Development of Strategic Technologies stressed that domestic technology development not only leads to significant reductions in foreign currency expenditure but also lowers product prices, thereby strengthening equity in healthcare.
He added that some technologies deliver economic returns many times greater than the initial investment, making targeted investment in these areas highly important.
Domestic production of advanced nano-based medicines has not only reduced multi-million-dollar imports but also, through significant price reductions and insurance coverage, enabled equitable access to treatment for all patients. This major achievement highlights the profound impact of nanotechnology on public health and quality of life, promising a future where scientific innovations directly transform our daily lives.
However, if people truly understood how much this technology can improve their lives, how would they react? Could such awareness change our perspective on science and technology and encourage greater support and investment in this field?
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