Azerbaijan, Baku, May 1 / Trend S.Isayev, T. Jafarov/
Iran will start domestic manufacture of Glatiramer acetate, which is used as a treatment for multiple sclerosis, General Director of Iranian "Tofik Daru" research company Huseyn Attar said, IRIB News reported.
Glatiramer acetate is an immunomodulator drug currently used to treat multiple sclerosis.
Although the clinical definition of multiple sclerosis requires two or more episodes of symptoms and signs, glatiramer acetate is approved for treatment after single episodes. It is also used to treat relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. It is administered by subcutaneous injection.
The drug was discovered first and manufactured in Israel, by Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd - an international pharmaceutical company headquartered in Petah Tikva, Israel. Teva Pharmaceuticals is one of the 15 largest pharmaceutical companies worldwide.
Huseyn Attar added that Iran up until now has been importing Glatiramer acetate, however now the country will be able to manufacture it domestically.
"We've been importing several types of peptide drugs, such as Fentanil, Alfentanil, Sulfentanil and Glatimer acetate, a total of seven types," Attar said. "To be manufactured, they require special technology, and Iran is able to produce them domestically".
Attar added that Islamic Republic will be able to domestically manufacture 15 types of peptide drugs, among which is Glatimer acetate.