Pharmaceutical raw materials (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients – APIs) form the foundation of Iran’s pharmaceutical industry. These include chemical, biological, and plant-based active substances used in the production of finished medicines.

Iran has significant capacity for producing a wide range of APIs using advanced chemical synthesis technologies, complex reaction processes, fermentation, and extraction methods. Many Iranian manufacturers are able to produce high-purity ingredients that meet international quality standards.

Local API production reduces dependency on imports, saves foreign currency, and increases value added across the pharmaceutical supply chain. This sector also creates specialized employment opportunities in chemical engineering, biotechnology, and quality control.

Iran exports certain pharmaceutical raw materials to regional countries, Central Asia, Russia, and parts of Africa. Competitive pricing, acceptable quality, and reliable production capacity are key strengths in export markets.

Iran’s competitive advantages include a highly trained workforce, industrial experience, low energy costs, and access to regional markets. Acquiring international certifications (such as GMP and EU-GMP), diversifying the API portfolio, and expanding into regulated markets can further enhance Iran’s global position in pharmaceutical raw material production.