Iran Produces Fetal Membrane-Based Drug for Transplant Patients
WANA (Aug 19) – Iranian specialists at a knowledge-based company have developed a new cell therapy drug designed to control complications arising from bone marrow transplants. The treatment, derived from fetal membranes, regulates the immune system without the side effects of corticosteroids, offering a promising alternative for cancer patients.
Addressing Graft-versus-Host Disease
One of the most common complications after bone marrow transplantation is Graft-versus-Host Disease (GVHD), a condition in which the new immune system mistakenly attacks the patient’s own tissues. Current treatments often rely on corticosteroids, which can cause severe side effects.
A Safer Alternative to Corticosteroids
According to Dr. Naser Aghdami, CEO of the company, the new product provides a safer and more effective solution: “When cancer patients undergo bone marrow transplantation, the new immune system may recognize the body as foreign and attack its organs. This is known as GVHD. The cells we are introducing today are extracted from fetal membranes. Unlike corticosteroids, they do not suppress the immune system but rather regulate and control it.”
The processed cells also have the ability to differentiate into the tissue of the transplant site, further improving recovery outcomes. “This innovation not only reduces the risks associated with conventional treatments but also increases patient confidence in the therapy,” Aghdami added.
Proven Safety and Effectiveness
Dr. Farshid Alaeddini, the company’s head of research and development, highlighted that the therapy has shown consistent results across various genetic and population groups: “Our findings, published in reputable international journals, confirm the safety, tolerability, and effectiveness of this drug in patients. Another advantage is the faster recovery it enables, with patients’ general health improving much more quickly compared to existing methods.”
Broader Applications in Cancer Treatment
In addition to lowering treatment costs, the drug is also being tested for use in advanced-stage cancers, potentially opening new avenues in tackling hard-to-treat diseases.
A Global Achievement
Currently, the technology to produce such cell-based therapies is available only in Iran, the United States, and Japan. Experts believe the achievement positions Iran as one of the few global leaders in advanced cellular medicine for cancer patients.
Iran Produces Fetal Membrane-Based Drug for Transplant Patients. Social media/ WANA News Agency
