WANA (July 24) – Iran can now export its domestically produced clot-dissolving medication, Alteplase. Previously, only the United States had the technical knowledge to produce this drug. Having met domestic demand, an Iranian knowledge-based company is increasing production capacity to facilitate exports.

 

Hadi Hazrati, Quality Assurance Manager of the Biotechnology Department at the company, stated that they operate in both chemical and biotechnological pharmaceuticals.

 

The company’s first biotechnological product, Alteplase, also known as Altelize, is notable for being the first biosimilar drug produced globally and the second manufacturer worldwide after Germany.

 

Alteplase is a recombinant human tissue plasminogen activator that directly converts plasminogen into active plasmin, resulting in the dissolution of fibrin clots.

 

Hazrati noted that the US monopolized the production of this drug, with manufacturing occurring in Germany. Alteplase is used for patients suffering from heart attacks, strokes, and pulmonary embolism, as it works by dissolving blood clots.

 

He emphasized the importance of administering this drug within the “golden hour” – 60 minutes after the onset of symptoms – to save lives. Alteplase, an enzyme-active drug, converts plasminogen into plasmin in the body, which breaks down and dissolves blood clots in the vessels.

 

The drug is produced in an injectable form as a lyophilized powder, which is dissolved with its solvent and injected into the vein based on the patient’s weight.

 

Hazrati announced the start of exports to Oman, Venezuela, Iraq, and Bosnia-Herzegovina and expressed hopes to enter global markets by obtaining GMP standards.

 

He mentioned that the company aims to meet domestic demand and expand exports by the end of this year. The company’s annual production capacity is 20,000 to 30,000 vials, while the country’s annual need is 40,000. Plans are underway to increase the production line capacity by the end of the year.

 

Hazrati concluded that such drugs are exclusively supplied to emergency services.