Specialty and biotech drugs represent one of the most advanced segments of Iran’s pharmaceutical industry. They include treatments for cancer, autoimmune diseases, diabetes, multiple sclerosis (MS), hormonal disorders, and vaccines.

Iran has developed significant capabilities in biotechnology by leveraging local expertise and modern technologies in biosimilar production, protein purification, fermentation, and genetic engineering. The biotech drugs produced in Iran are comparable in quality, efficacy, and safety to their imported counterparts.

Although specialty and biotech drugs are higher in price, they offer far greater added value than generic medicines. They play a vital role in saving foreign currency, reducing reliance on imports, and fostering the growth of knowledge-based industries. These drugs also create high-skilled jobs in research and high-tech sectors.

Iran has become a regional producer of biosimilars and exports select biotech products to countries in the Middle East, Central Asia, Latin America, and Africa. Competitive pricing and strong domestic production capacity are key advantages in these markets.

Iran’s competitive advantages include a well-educated scientific workforce, advanced production infrastructure, localized expertise in biotech drug manufacturing, and strong support for knowledge-based companies. Enhancing international quality standards, registering products globally, and expanding technological partnerships can further boost Iran’s competitiveness in the global biotech pharmaceutical market.