Iranian biotech firm advances health sector with locally-made rapid test kits
Iranian knowledge-based company Zist-Tashkhis Sanjeh has made significant strides in boosting the country’s biotechnology sector by locally producing various types of rapid diagnostic kits, helping reduce reliance on imports and advancing national self-sufficiency.
According to the Iranian
Vice Presidency for Science, Technology, and Knowledge-Based Economy, biotechnology plays a vital role in health, agriculture, industry, and environmental protection.
Local innovations not only improve public health and create jobs, but also stimulate the growing knowledge-based economy.
The global market for biotech products, especially diagnostic equipment, is vast and expanding. Iran has increasingly focused on developing this sector, with domestic firms leading efforts to meet local demand and tap into export opportunities.
Founded in 2017 by Dr. Hadi Bagheri, a medical biotechnology graduate from Tarbiat Modares University, Zist-Tashkhis Sanjeh began its career by producing just one diagnostic product.
Through the localization of “lateral flow” technology, the company has since scaled up to mass production at competitive prices without sacrificing quality.
In 2023, the company produced approximately 2.5 million tests, with projections to reach 4 million in 2024.
So far, it has captured 20-30% of the domestic market and saved the country over $2 million in foreign exchange, with plans underway to expand into international markets.
