WANA (Jul 26) – Specialists at a leading Iranian technology firm have prioritized the domestic production of nanotechnology-based diagnostic kits, aiming to provide rapid and accurate detection of diseases such as cancer, gastrointestinal infections, and pregnancy.

 

These high-quality kits are offered at prices lower than imported alternatives, reducing dependency on foreign supplies and advancing Iran’s healthcare self-sufficiency.

 

Hadi Bagheri, CEO of the technology company, emphasized the strategic importance of cutting reliance on imported diagnostic equipment. “Market studies show that approximately $10 million is spent annually on imported rapid diagnostic kits.

 

To reduce foreign currency outflow, we began phased domestic production. Thanks to high quality and competitive pricing, we have captured over 10% of the market within less than a year,” Bagheri said.

 

One of the company’s flagship products is a rapid heart attack detection kit, which has replaced multi-million euro imports and is now widely used in emergency departments nationwide.

 

“This kit, with annual consumption exceeding one million units in Iran, has reached a level where it effectively blocks foreign competitors from entering the market,” he added.

 

Bagheri also highlighted the company’s colorectal cancer screening kit, developed in line with the Ministry of Health’s early detection and prevention initiatives. To date, more than 1.5 million tests using this kit have been conducted nationwide.

 

“This non-invasive colorectal cancer diagnostic kit is the world’s second registered product of its kind and has recently received a U.S. patent, positioning it for imminent entry into international markets,” Bagheri explained. “It offers a cost-effective and simpler alternative to invasive colonoscopy procedures.”

 

Additional products include kits for detecting Helicobacter pylori infections, blood infection markers like procalcitonin, and diagnostic kits addressing irritable bowel syndrome — all designed to meet Iran’s specific healthcare needs.

 

Among other notable achievements, the company has developed an antibiotic detection kit for milk, a crucial tool in the dairy industry to ensure quality and safety. Previously, Iran imported nearly $2 million worth of this kit annually. Now, with approval from the Veterinary Organization, the kit is available to domestic dairy companies.

 

According to the National Nanotechnology Initiative, Bagheri stressed the critical role of quality standards and regulatory approvals in the company’s market success.

 

“Obtaining Food and Drug Administration licenses was a vital step. From the outset, we adhered to international standards such as ISO 13485 during production, which enabled us to quickly secure four national certifications and five nanotechnology accreditations,” he said.

 

The company has achieved a 45% reduction in final product costs without compromising quality, maintaining and even expanding its market share. Key to its success has been the industrialization of lateral flow technology, full localization of technical know-how, and expansion of production lines.

 

Employing over 50 specialists, with plans to double staff to 100 by 2025, the company has become a major player in Iran’s biotechnological kit production sector. In the past year alone, it produced over 2.5 million kits, securing a 30% share of the domestic market and generating nearly $2 million in foreign exchange savings for the country.