WANA (Aug 10) – Dr. Ghanei, Secretary of Iran’s Biotechnology, Health, and Medical Technologies Headquarters, announced notable advancements in the country’s stem cell sector, highlighting a leap from one cell therapy product last year to five this year, which elevated Iran’s global ranking from 12th to 8th place.

 

The announcement came during a press conference on “Achievements in Health and Medical Equipment,” attended by Dr. Sarkar, Head of the Strategic Development Center, Dr. Ghanei, and Dr. Lamouki, Deputy for Legal and Parliamentary Affairs.

 

Dr. Ghanei emphasized the strategic role of science and technology as underlined by Iran’s Supreme Leader, citing it as a core reason behind U.S. hostility towards Iran. He called for collaborative efforts to develop strategic technologies to eliminate dependency and strengthen the health economy.

 

Focusing on domestic production, Dr. Ghanei revealed two major projects underway: local production of insulin and plasma, which currently represent the highest foreign currency expenditures in the health sector.

 

Iran spends over $300 million annually on plasma imports, with insulin import costs also being significant. He expressed hope that within two years, full domestic production capacity will eliminate the need for imports of these critical products.

 

Highlighting the importance of indigenous technology development, he stated that relying on internal capabilities is the only way to maintain national health independence under sanctions. This self-sufficiency will not only save foreign exchange but also redirect subsidies formerly paid to foreign producers back into the national economy.

 

Iran holds an unrivaled position in the region for biopharmaceuticals and ranks fifth in Asia. Despite the toughest sanctions, no shortages of biological medicines have occurred, showcasing the country’s strong internal capabilities.

 

Dr. Ghanei described Iran’s stem cell advancements as remarkable. With five new products this year compared to just one last year, Iran has risen from 12th to 8th worldwide, aiming to be among the top five nations and to eliminate the need for patients to seek treatment abroad.

 

He also criticized the lack of clear responsibility for implementing key technology contracts, noting that some agreements signed six years ago remain unexecuted due to the absence of designated authorities. He said technology development in Iran over the past two decades has been fragmented, diminishing competitive advantages.

 

Referring to national economic goals, Dr. Ghanei noted that high-level policy documents forecast a 7% contribution of technology to GDP. Achieving this, especially including biotechnology, will be challenging amid existing obstacles.

 

According to law, out of an anticipated 8% economic growth, approximately 1.6% must derive from technology — a model used by developed countries in sectors like mining, medicine, and industry.

 

He stressed the need for a comprehensive approach to technology development: from expanding research centers and passing enabling legislation, to effective support, eliminating rent-seeking, controlling unnecessary imports, and focusing on strategic technologies. “If approached from only one angle, programs will remain slogans,” he warned.

 

Concluding, Dr. Ghanei emphasized that real technological progress requires the simultaneous strengthening of infrastructure, legislation, targeted investment, and executive coherence. Otherwise, technology cannot become the driving engine of the national economy.

WANA - Insulin bottle and stethoscope....cell Therapy

Insulin. Social media/ WANA News Agency