Iran leads Islamic world in molecular and genetic technologies

According to information released by Tehran Times, a partner of TV BRICS, Iran has emerged as the leading Islamic country in molecular and genetic technologies, according to long-term research performance data covering the period from 2000 to 2024.

International scientometric assessments place Iran at the top among Islamic nations across several advanced biotechnology fields, including gene therapy, CRISPR-based technologies, RNA interference and transfection methods. In multiple categories, the country also ranks among the top 30 globally, reflecting sustained growth in research output and scientific capability.

Iran’s strongest global position is recorded in transfection technology, where it ranks 14th worldwide and first among regional peers by a wide margin. Similar leadership is evident in gene therapy, with Iran ranked 15th globally and maintaining the top regional position.

In genome-editing technologies, Iran ranks 22nd worldwide in CRISPR research output and leads all Islamic countries. The country also holds first place among Islamic nations in RNA interference technology, ranking 29th globally. In other precision gene-editing tools, including TALEN and zinc finger nucleases, Iran remains among the top 20 countries worldwide and ranks second regionally.

Beyond molecular genetics, Iran has recorded notable progress in stem cell research and cell therapy. Over the past year, the country has moved into the world’s top ten in cell therapy development, reflecting an increase in approved and market-ready therapeutic products.

Officials highlight cell therapy as a strategic priority, with the long-term goal of positioning Iran among the world’s top five countries in this field and reducing the need for patients to seek treatment abroad.

Health-related innovation remains a central focus of the national science agenda. Current projects include advanced therapies for rare genetic diseases, early diagnostic technologies for digestive cancers and a range of applied biomedical solutions aimed at strengthening domestic healthcare capacity.

Parallel efforts are underway to modernise traditional medicine through scientific validation, including the use of nanotechnology to enhance the effectiveness and absorption of plant-based compounds, as well as clinical trials to formally assess therapeutic outcomes.

Artificial intelligence is also being increasingly integrated into the health system, particularly in radiology and pathology. These tools are expected to support clinical decision-making, improve diagnostic accuracy, reduce costs and expand access to healthcare services.

Photo: Khanchit Khirisutchalual / iStock