Nuclear-assisted cancer diagnostics, therapeutics unveiled at Tehran tech expo
AEOI: Radiopharmaceutical portfolio expands to 70 products
Iran unveiled four new strategic nuclear medicine achievements at the 26th International Research, Technology, and Innovation Exhibition on Monday, including two radiopharmaceuticals for early diagnosis and treatment of metastatic melanoma, an automated system for producing bone pain therapy drugs, and the launch of a national nuclear education network.
The event was attended by First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref, Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) chief Mohammad Eslami, and the vice president for Science, Technology, and Knowledge-Based Economy, IRNA reported.
The newly introduced therapeutic radiopharmaceutical 177Lu-Alpha-MSH and the diagnostic agent 68Ga-Alpha-MSH target metastatic skin cancer. The officials also showcased an automated production system for radiopharmaceuticals treating metastatic bone pain, a common complication of advanced cancers. The National Nuclear Education Network was launched to connect academic and research institutions nationwide.
Aref highlighted the government’s priorities, noting the administration aims to accelerate progress in emerging technologies to meet domestic needs and provide achievements to regional countries interested in collaboration.
At the ceremony, Eslami emphasized the AEOI’s dual scientific and industrial role, “We are a successful symbol of sustaining the cycle of creativity and innovation — where knowledge is transformed into technology, and technology into usable systems and solutions, in the shortest possible time. This transformation — from science to practical, people-centered solutions — has been realized within our organization.”
Eslami noted that these innovations are not only scientifically advanced but also socially and economically impactful.
He recalled that in 2023, Iran had announced 50 domestically produced radiopharmaceuticals, with 20 more in research phases. “Today, I am proud to report that we have reached 70 radiopharmaceuticals,” he said.
Ali Bahrami Samani, deputy head of the Nuclear Science and Technology Research Institute, confirmed the figure, noting that 20 new radiopharmaceuticals have been added to the national drug registry over the past two years.
“This year’s health-related achievements go beyond previous developments, now encompassing advanced applications for liver cancer, glioma, and other complex malignancies,” he said.
“The radiopharmaceuticals introduced today represent a qualitative leap, addressing more challenging oncological conditions than earlier generations.”
He also highlighted the educational milestone of the National Nuclear Education Network, describing it as a unified platform now operational for universities across the country.
The 26th International Research, Technology, and Innovation Exhibition runs from Saturday to Tuesday at Tehran’s permanent fairgrounds, showcasing Iran’s scientific and technological capabilities, supporting innovative ideas, and strengthening connections among research, industry, and economic sectors.