Iran achieves self-sufficiency in producing pulmonary fibrosis treatment drug

Iran has achieved self-sufficiency in producing a medication used to treat pulmonary fibrosis and other interstitial lung diseases. 

According to the office of the Iranian vice president for science, technology and knowledge-based economy, the head of the research and development department at Sana Pharmed  Company announced the production of the drug Afnib for the first time in the country. Mohammad Karim Rezaee said with the local production of this pharmaceutical product, Iran is no longer dependent on imports, giving patients easier access to the medication.
In terms of pricing, he said, the domestically produced drug costs approximately one-third of its foreign counterpart.
Rezaee noted that the efficacy of Afnib has been proven to be comparable to the original imported product.
He added that the medication’s scientific and functional equivalence has been fully confirmed through required testing and official approval from the Food and Drug Administration.
He added that the number of patients suffering from interstitial lung diseases in the country is significant compared to rare diseases. Rezaee maintained that the production of Afnib by Sana Pharmed has not only resolved patient access challenges but has also significantly reduced treatment costs, easing the financial burden on patients and the healthcare system.