Iran Food and Drug Administration addresses supply chain and regulation issues

Officials from Iran's Food and Drug Administration are addressing challenges in the pharmaceutical sector, including rising costs and supply chain disruptions. Mehdi Pirsalahi, head of the organization, reported that the cost of transporting raw materials has increased between six and ten times due to shifts from air to rail and road transport necessitated by current conditions. Despite these challenges, domestic manufacturers are operating at maximum capacity on a 24-hour basis to ensure continuous supply.

Pirsalahi also confirmed that the supply issue for Factor XIII, essential for hemophilia patients, has been resolved following difficulties with currency transfers to Europe. Additionally, a significant amount of vaccines have entered the country and are undergoing coding for upcoming distribution.

Regarding herbal products, Shahram Shoaybi, Director General of Natural Products, emphasized the distinction between medicinal plants and herbal medicines. He stated that herbal medicines and natural products must be distributed through pharmacies to ensure proper packaging and technical supervision, rather than through traditional herbal shops. Online sales are permitted only if they are connected to and supervised by licensed pharmacies.