Iran Breaks Monopoly to Produce FDA-Approved Drug for Cerebral Apoplexy
‘Alteplase’ is a drug used for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke, and the production of the drug was monopolized by an American company so far but the Iranian researchers at an Iranian knowledge-based company succeeded in production of the medicine.
The Iran-made drug has been produced in the form of a lyophilized powder of 50 mg which is presented with a vial of sterile water for injection. The drug is the only medication approved by the FDA for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke.
“Today, the production line of this drug was inaugurated, and if more support is provided, we will be able to launch the next phases of this production line,” said Babak Khoyeen, the managing director of the company.
He stated that the drug, named Alteplase, was produced in the form of 50 mg vials of powder, adding that there is also a vial of distilled water beside the drug and the package has been prepared for hospitals.
“Currently, the production capacity of this drug is 10,000 vials per year, and we plan to increase this capacity to 50,000 vials annually,” Khoyeen said.
An ischemic stroke, sometimes called a brain attack, occurs when something blocks blood supply to part of the brain or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. In either case, parts of the brain become damaged or die. A stroke can cause lasting brain damage, long-term disability, or even death.
4155/v
