AhlulBayt News Agency (ABNA): Based on long-term research performance data from 2000 to 2024, the Islamic Republic of Iran has been introduced as the leading country in the Islamic world in molecular and genetic technologies.
International scientometric evaluations indicate that Iran holds the top position among Muslim-majority countries in advanced biotechnology fields, including gene therapy, CRISPR-based technologies, RNA interference, and transfection methods, while ranking among the world’s top 30 countries in several subfields.
Iran’s strongest global standing has been recorded in transfection technology, where the country ranks 14th worldwide and first in the region by a significant margin. In gene therapy, Iran maintains 15th place globally and remains the leading country in the Islamic world.
In gene-editing research related to CRISPR, Iran ranks 22nd worldwide and stands first among Muslim countries. In RNA interference technologies, Iran has secured 29th place globally and the top position in the Islamic world. In more precise gene-editing tools such as TALEN and zinc-finger nucleases, Iran is also listed among the world’s top 20 countries and holds second place regionally.
Beyond molecular genetics, Iran has also registered notable progress in stem cell research and cell therapy. According to reports, over the past year, the country has entered the group of the world’s top ten nations in the development of cell therapy, reflecting the growing number of approved and market-ready therapeutic products.
Scientific officials describe cell therapy as a strategic priority, stating that the long-term objective is for Iran to rank among the world’s top five countries in this field and to reduce patients’ dependence on treatment abroad.
Health-oriented innovations form a core part of Iran’s national science and technology agenda. Ongoing projects include advanced treatments for rare genetic diseases, early diagnostic technologies for gastrointestinal cancers, and applied biomedical solutions aimed at strengthening the domestic capacity of the health system.
At the same time, efforts are underway to modernize traditional medicine on a scientific basis, including the use of nanotechnology to enhance the effectiveness and absorption of herbal compounds and the implementation of clinical trials to assess therapeutic outcomes.
In parallel, artificial intelligence is increasingly being deployed across Iran’s healthcare system, particularly in radiology and pathology, to improve diagnostic accuracy, reduce costs, and expand access to medical services.
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