Iran’s serum production surges as country produces 16m units per month
Heydar Mohammadi, the director of the Food and Drug Organization of Iran, revealed that domestic serum production has surged to 16 million units per month due to increased consumption. He also indicated that this figure is set to rise further.
Mohammadi explained that in addition to domestic production, the country imports 6 million serums monthly. He noted that the demand for serums typically escalates during the summer season due to the heat, which will likely necessitate an increase in imports, according to IRNA.
The director also announced the establishment of a new serum factory in Tabriz, which is poised to commence production soon. Despite the uptick in production and imports, Mohammadi acknowledged that the country has yet to achieve a stable serum reserve. He attributed this to a shift towards higher consumption patterns among the populace.
Addressing the issue of drug shortages, Mohammadi confirmed that there had been a deficit in transplant drugs and blood factor for several months. “This was due to complications with raw materials for the production of factor eight and recombinant,” he said, and further assured that these materials have now been imported, resolving the issue.
Mohammadi also highlighted a previous issue with currency exchange for raw materials, which had contributed to the scarcity of transplant drugs. He stated that this problem has been rectified, and production for the next three months is underway, with distribution set to commence next week.
The Director of the Food and Drug Organization further noted that a lack of medicinal stock for a period of 3 to 6 months is deemed a shortage. This serves as a caution for pharmaceutical industries to either boost their production or increase imports.
Mohammadi also projected a significant growth in pharmaceutical exports this year, following the removal of preferential currency in the pharmaceutical sector. He emphasized the need for continuous monitoring by the industries, collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the representative offices of the Islamic Republic of Iran abroad to establish and strengthen markets for Iranian medicines.
In conclusion, Mohammadi expressed optimism about achieving the annual drug export target of 2 billion euros as outlined in the 7th Development Plan bill, with the cooperation of the pharmaceutical industry.