Iran is preparing to introduce AlphaZa, the country’s first domestically developed alpha-emitting radiopharmaceutical designed to treat advanced cancers resistant to conventional therapies, according to the head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI).
Mohammad Eslami said the drug is expected to enter the market in the near future, describing AlphaZa as a major development in Iran’s nuclear medicine sector. He said the radiopharmaceutical would expand the country’s capabilities in targeted cancer treatment through advanced radionuclide therapy.
The AEOI chief said AlphaZa has undergone several years of clinical research and testing. The treatment uses targeted alpha-emitting therapy, a technology that allows radioactive materials to be directed toward cancer cells for medical treatment.
Eslami said the development of AlphaZa places Iran among a limited number of countries with the ability to produce and use alpha-emitting radiopharmaceuticals for cancer care.
According to Eslami, Iran’s domestic production of radiopharmaceuticals has continued to expand, with the number of locally produced products exceeding 76. He said these medicines are currently supplied to more than 230 medical centers across the country.
“With the support of specialists at Pars Isotope Company, radiopharmaceutical production in the country has continued to expand, and the number of products has now reached 76,” Eslami was quoted as saying by IRIB.
The AEOI chief also announced that 20 additional radiopharmaceuticals are currently undergoing research and development and are expected to enter the production stage during the current Iranian year.
“Currently, 20 additional products are under research so that we can bring new radiopharmaceuticals into the production cycle,” he said.
Eslami added that Iran is also preparing a new radiopharmaceutical for the treatment of skin cancer. He said the project is expected to move from the research stage to full-scale production this year.
“This year, we will bring several research projects into production. AlphaZa will soon be introduced, and we will also unveil a new achievement in the field of skin cancer treatment,” Eslami said.
He said the country’s progress in radiopharmaceutical development relies on domestic capabilities and remains under national control.
Eslami also said production and distribution of radiopharmaceuticals have continued without interruption under all circumstances. He said manufacturing continues during weekends and periods of difficult conditions to ensure patients receive needed medicines on time.
“Radiopharmaceutical production never stops,” he said. “Even during wartime conditions, as well as on weekends, production continues. We are committed to ensuring that patients receive these medicines on time.”
The AEOI chief further stated that some Iranian-made radiopharmaceuticals now meet quality standards comparable to products developed by leading countries in the field. He said improvements in production have focused on increasing precision for more effective diagnosis and treatment.
Eslami also said Iran exports radiopharmaceuticals internationally, with products reaching markets across five continents. He added that production is based on demand from medical centers rather than stockpiling, with domestic needs prioritized alongside exports.
“Radiopharmaceuticals are manufactured according to demand from medical centers and are not stockpiled,” he said. “In addition to meeting domestic needs, we export these products to several countries and have previously delivered radiopharmaceuticals to destinations on five continents.”
