A Pioneering Iranian Step In Treating Spinal Muscular Atrophy

This drug for treating spinal muscular atrophy, the foreign version of which is said to cost patients than a billion tomans per month, is now local, which led to its price falling to about 20 million tomans.

KnowsSpinal muscular atrophy (SMA)also known by other names such as “Spinal muscular atrophy Close recessive“and”Spinal muscular atrophy 5qTo distinguish it from other types Spinal muscular atrophy The other is a rare hereditary neuromuscular disease, accompanied by loss of motor neurons andMuscle weakness and tenses

This disease is diagnosed in infancy or early childhood and, if left untreated, is the most common genetic cause of death in infants. Complications may arise Spinal muscular atrophy In the later years of life, in this case, its course is milder.

One of the most common symptoms of this disease is the gradual weakness of the voluntary muscles, and the muscles of the hands, feet, and breathing are affected quickly than others. Other symptoms include poor control of head movements, difficulty swallowing, hunching, and stiffness in the body’s joints.

However, researchers from an Iranian knowledge-based company succeeded in manufacturing and localizing a drug for treatment Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) for the first time in Iran, and for the second time globally.

This technology product was recently unveiled as one of 80 knowledge-based products at the FAR Iran exhibition, in conjunction with the 16th Nano Technology Exhibition at the Tehran International Exhibition Centre, by “Hussein Afshin“, Iranian Vice President for Science, Technology and Knowledge-Based Economy.

Dr. Khashayar Hamavandi, who holds a doctorate in pharmacy and is the production director of this knowledge complex, said: SMA patients They lose a certain type of nerve cell in the spinal cord, called motor neurons. He added:

“These neurons actually control muscle movement, and without them, muscles would not receive nerve signals for movement.”

Atrophy (atrophy) is a medical term meaning smaller, and in SMA, some muscles become smaller and weaker due to disuse.

He went on to say:

“This drug was produced in Switzerland and has received approval US Food and Drug Administration In 2020, 300 units were imported to… Iran Year 2022.”

Hamavandi stated that the active ingredient in this topical medication is:Resdiplam“(Risdiplam),” he added:

“In fact, it is a non-surgical oral home treatment for spinal muscular atrophy. It can be given without the need for injections, anesthesia or hospitalization, and it has an important role in Improving motor abilities For patients”.

He continued:

“Since this medication does not require laboratory monitoring after its use, it can be taken in various settings, including home, the workplace, and even while traveling.”

The director of manufacturing and production of this drug in this knowledge complex pointed to the beginning of the research phase for it in 2022, saying:

“In 2024, we successfully registered this product as a cognitive drug and obtained legal approvals from the Food and Drug Administration and the Ministry of health “Iranian.”

Hamavandi added:

“In 2025, we also succeeded in improving the cognitive nature of the active ingredient and drug formulation, and this product was unveiled for the first time at the Far Iran exhibition.

This knowledge activist also stated regarding the difference between this pharmaceutical product and its foreign counterpart:

“The biggest difference between this product and its foreign counterpart is that this sample was manufactured in Iran, while the other medicine was manufactured in Switzerland. Thanks to the sensitivities we encountered at work, this product matches its original brand in terms of quality, which enabled us to take into account the necessary aspects in the composition of the medicine and even in its flavor, and it received this award.” Iranian medicine Patient satisfaction.

He expressed his hope that after this medicine is recognized and enters the consumer market to meet the needs of patients, and with the support of the relevant government agencies, we will be able to increase its production and export to other countries, and generate income for the country in foreign currencies.