Iran ranks 13th globally in biotechnology publications

Iran has secured the 13th spot worldwide in the number of published biotechnology research papers in 2024, according to a new report by the reputable SCImago database. 

The report highlights Iran’s clear lead in the region, ahead of Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, underscoring the country’s rapid progress in science and technology. 

The Biotechnology Development Center of the Iranian Vice Presidency for Science, Technology, and Knowledge-Based Economy noted that Iran’s rise reflects two decades of strategic investment in biotech research and commercialization. 

Between 2000 and 2005, Iran transitioned from primarily academic research to producing knowledge-based products for domestic and international markets. 

One milestone achievement from that period was the production of interferon alpha, the first Iranian-made biopharmaceutical for hepatitis treatment, a step toward  pharmaceutical self-sufficiency. 

Today, Iran hosts 1,480 biotech and health-related knowledge-based companies and ranks eighth globally in regenerative medicine. With over 1,000 biotech-driven products in medicine, agriculture, industry, and environmental applications, Iran now ranks fifth in Asia and first in its region. 

Officials say these achievements mark a promising future for the country’s innovation-driven economy and its expanding role in the global biotech sector.